ask for counsel

USAGE SUMMARY

"ask for counsel" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
Generally it means to seek advice or advice from someone who is considered knowledgeable or experienced, especially in a professional context. For example: The CEO asked the board of directors for counsel on how to best manage the company during difficult economic times.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Momentarily break your silence to ask for counsel.

The New York Times

Once the charges were dropped, the officials said, the police in Virginia were free to question them without a lawyer, as long as they did not ask for counsel.

The New York Times

These are not the people you should ask for counsel; doing so would leave them feeling even more overwhelmed than you feel.

Huffington Post

Those inmates face a terrible choice: either plead guilty without counsel in the hope of a prompt release on "time served," or ask for counsel and go back to jail to wait usually more than a week for the next court appearance.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In some cases medication will be needed – and some people also ask for counselling.

Independent

The patients in this phase described their doctor as a 'trusted ally' they rely on and of whom they ask for counselling on demand.

BMJ Open

Patients in the intervention group will receive the support programme in community pharmacy (PRODEFAR) every time they go to the pharmacy to pick up the medication or to ask for counselling in the course of the 6 months of the study.

BMC Public Health

KHARKIV, Ukraine, 14 November 2015 – UNICEF Community Protection Centre CPCC) in Kharkiv was opened to help internally displaced people to adapt in the new city, where they currently live and give them the opportunity to ask for counselling session with psychologists, professional lawyers or medical experts, as well as attend different master classes, language classes, computer literacy.

Unicef

In Afghanistan, Lindh asked for counsel almost immediately.

The New Yorker

(Under American law, custodial interrogations are supposed to stop in most cases as soon as the subject asks for counsel).

The Economist

It's ironic: She was the only woman in my life to whom I felt I could say those things - I was asking for counsel, and she took it that way.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ask for counsel" when you need formal, professional, or expert advice, especially in legal, business, or strategic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "ask for counsel" in informal situations where simpler phrases like "ask for advice" or "get input" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for counsel" primarily functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI identifies its function of seeking guidance or advice, especially from someone considered an expert or authority.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ask for counsel" is a phrase used to formally request advice or guidance, particularly from someone with expertise in a specific area. As Ludwig AI stated, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for professional or formal contexts. While the phrase appears infrequently, it is valuable for articulating the need for expert advice. Related alternatives include "seek advice" or "request guidance", offering similar meanings with slight variations in tone and formality. When writing, use "ask for counsel" in situations where expert or professional advice is necessary, while avoiding it in more casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seek advice

Focuses on the act of searching for advice more generally.

request guidance

Implies a more structured or official form of assistance.

consult with

Highlights the act of discussing with someone to get their opinion.

solicit advice

Suggests a formal request for advice.

appeal for guidance

Implies a need for assistance or direction.

seek consultation

Emphasizes a formal meeting to discuss and receive expert advice.

get input from

Focuses on gathering opinions and ideas from others.

call for advice

Suggests a public or general request for suggestions.

look for guidance

Highlights the active search for direction or advice.

ask for direction

Specifically seeks a course of action or instruction.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "ask for counsel"?

The phrase "ask for counsel" is best suited for formal contexts, such as seeking advice from legal professionals, board members, or other experts. In casual situations, simpler alternatives like "ask for advice" are often more appropriate.

What is the difference between "ask for counsel" and "ask for advice"?

"Ask for counsel" generally implies seeking advice from someone with professional expertise, such as a lawyer or consultant. In contrast, "ask for advice" is a more general term applicable to a broader range of situations and advisors.

What are some synonyms for "ask for counsel"?

Alternatives to "ask for counsel" include "seek advice", "request guidance", and "consult with". The best choice depends on the specific context and the formality of the situation.

How can I use "ask for counsel" in a sentence?

You can use "ask for counsel" in sentences like: "The CEO decided to ask for counsel from the board of directors before making a major decision." or "The company will ask for counsel from its legal team regarding the new regulations."