ask for forgiveness

Meaning

To formally or sincerely request that someone pardon or excuse you for a mistake, wrongdoing, or offense. It is a more serious and emotional action than just saying 'sorry,' often used when trying to repair a damaged relationship.

Examples

• He went to her house to apologize and ask for forgiveness for what he had done.

  He went to her house to apologize and ask for forgiveness for what he had done.

• Sometimes it is easier to ask for forgiveness than to get permission.

  Sometimes it is easier to ask for forgiveness than to get permission.

• She found it hard to ask for forgiveness after lying to her parents.

  She found it hard to ask for forgiveness after lying to her parents.

• I know I hurt you deeply, and I am here to ask for forgiveness.

  I know I hurt you deeply, and I am here to ask for forgiveness.

• Before they could move on, both of them had to ask for forgiveness.

  Before they could move on, both of them had to ask for forgiveness.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He asked forgiveness from his friend.

  ✓ He asked for forgiveness from his friend.

  You must include the preposition 'for' after 'ask' when requesting something.

• ✗ She asked to him for forgiveness.

  ✓ She asked him for forgiveness.

  Do not put 'to' between 'ask' and the person you are asking.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Instead of making excuses, you should just ___.

  💡 request that someone pardons your mistake

  Show answer

  ask for forgiveness

• He realized his mistake and went back to ___ from his sister.

  💡 seek pardon

  Show answer

  ask for forgiveness