What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
petitioning
Example
The citizens are petitioning the government to change the law. [petitioning: verb]
Example
She drafted a petition asking for more funding for the school. [petition: noun]
plea
Example
The defendant entered a plea of not guilty. [plea: noun]
Example
She made a plea for help when her car broke down on the side of the road. [plea: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Plea is more commonly used than petitioning in everyday language. Plea is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while petitioning is less common and often used in specific legal or organizational settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between petitioning and plea?
Petitioning is more formal and structured than plea. It is often used in legal or organizational contexts and requires a specific format and structure. On the other hand, plea can be more emotional and urgent, and is often used in personal or individual situations.
