asking for mercy vs ask for mercy

Both 'asking for mercy' and 'ask for mercy' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Asking for mercy' is the present participle form and is used when describing an ongoing action or situation. 'Ask for mercy' is the base form and is used when giving a direct command or instruction.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1293 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when describing an ongoing action or situation.

"asking for mercy"

This phrase is used to describe the act of requesting mercy from someone in a continuous or ongoing manner.

Examples:

He was asking for mercy as he pleaded with the judge.
The prisoner kept asking for mercy, hoping for a lighter sentence.

Show examples from the web [+]

I am assuming you were not asking for my mercy, but were trying to say 'thank you' - not in Greek, I should add, which is 'Euχapισtώ, kύpιε Πpόεδpε'!
Every man who faces it leaves an offering here first, asking for the creature's mercy.
The restless ghost of Leon Mercy is asking you for help.
You're asking me to show mercy to enemies who are trying to destroy me.
And if you really believed in a hereafter and any kind of mercy there, go and give the widow what she's asking for.
That would be a mercy worth quietly asking for, since the Lisbon objectives appear more and more to be taking on the character of illusions.
Praying for mercy, I presume.
I must ask for mercy, Master.
On the immaculate heart of the sweet virgin herself, I pray for mercy.
You have the right to beg for mercy.
Will leave you curled up in a little fetal position begging for mercy.
His historical appeal for Mercy Killing has been denied.
You're begging for mercy for a demon.
You cannot play on my appetites for mercy.
The time for mercy has passed.
I'm not ashamed to admit I begged for mercy.
And now the prisoners are like obedient slaves begging for mercy.
In his world there's no room for mercy...
I heard them begging for mercy last night.
Maybe we can trade the bomb for mercy.

Alternatives:

pleading for mercy
begging for mercy
imploring for mercy
requesting mercy
seeking mercy

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when giving a direct command or instruction.

"ask for mercy"

This phrase is used to give a direct command or instruction to request mercy from someone.

Examples:

I told him to ask for mercy from the king.
The lawyer advised her to ask for mercy during the trial.

Show examples from the web [+]

I must ask for mercy, Master.
That's plead guilty and ask for mercy.
Lower your head and ask for mercy!
be it Li or Southern Eagle. Lower your head and ask for mercy!
Don't ask for mercy when it gets rough.

Alternatives:

request mercy
plead for mercy
beg for mercy
implore for mercy
seek mercy

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asking for mercy vs ask for mercy

"asking for mercy"

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