Seek approval

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Seek approval" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when requesting permission or validation from someone, often in a professional or formal context. Example: "Before proceeding with the project, we need to seek approval from the management team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Did they seek approval?

The Guardian

He doesn't desperately seek approval.

The Guardian - Film

He didn't seek approval from the city.

The New Yorker

Many require buyers to seek approval from the city government.

The New York Times

And confidence: "I don't really seek approval from anyone".

The New Yorker

And it's all done without having to seek approval from another individual.

Independent

The company would have to adhere to this, or seek approval for any change.

The Economist

I don't seek approval, but I wish, at least, to be respected.

The New York Times

Konec now plans to conduct such tests and seek approval as a generic.

The New York Times

Pfizer has said it will seek approval of tofacitinib and apixaban this year.

The New York Times

Analysts suggested that the government would seek approval by the E.U.-I.M.F.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seek approval", be specific about who you are seeking approval from and for what purpose. This clarifies the request and ensures a smoother process.

Common error

Avoid using overly passive constructions when writing with "seek approval". For example, instead of writing "Approval is sought for the changes", write "The team will "seek approval" for the changes" for a more direct and active statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek approval" functions as a verb phrase, where "seek" is the main verb and "approval" is its direct object. It denotes the action of requesting and trying to obtain permission or agreement from someone, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seek approval" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of requesting authorization or validation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, including news, business, and science, with a neutral to professional tone. When using "seek approval", clarity and specificity are key to effective communication. For alternative phrasing, consider "request authorization" or "obtain consent", depending on the desired level of formality and the specific context. It is important to avoid overreliance on passive voice constructions when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Request authorization

Replaces "seek" with "request" and "approval" with "authorization", focusing on formal permission.

Obtain consent

Replaces "seek" with "obtain" and "approval" with "consent", emphasizing agreement.

Get the green light

An idiomatic expression meaning to receive permission to proceed.

Secure endorsement

Focuses on gaining support or validation, using more formal terms.

Ask for permission

Replaces "seek approval" with a more direct request.

Gain acceptance

Emphasizes being accepted or agreed upon.

Solicit feedback

Focuses on requesting opinions or suggestions for improvement.

Get validation

Highlights the act of confirming or substantiating something.

Look for affirmation

Highlights the act of looking for emotional support.

Pursue ratification

Implies a formal process of confirming or validating an agreement.

FAQs

How do I use "seek approval" in a sentence?

You can use "seek approval" when you want to express that someone needs to get permission or validation from an authority. For example, "Before implementing the new strategy, we must "seek approval" from the board."

What is a formal alternative to "seek approval"?

A formal alternative to "seek approval" is "request authorization". This is suitable for business, academic, and official contexts.

What does it mean to "seek approval"?

To "seek approval" means to ask for and try to get permission, agreement, or validation from someone in authority or from a group of people. It implies that the action or decision needs to be reviewed and sanctioned by others.

Is there a difference between ""seek approval"" and "ask for permission"?

While both phrases imply requesting authorization, ""seek approval"" often carries a slightly more formal tone than "ask for permission". "Seek approval" suggests a process of review and validation, whereas "ask for permission" is a more straightforward request.