for guidance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for guidance" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the purpose or intention behind an action or decision. Example: "I reached out to my professor for guidance on my research paper."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Moore prayed for guidance.

The New Yorker

I prayed for guidance.

The Guardian - Books

I appeal to readers for guidance.

The Economist

Someone we look to for guidance".

The New York Times - Arts

The doctor paged specialists for guidance.

The New York Times

All turned to Miller for guidance.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was praying for guidance".

The New York Times

Some readers pleaded for guidance.

The New York Times

There were requests for guidance.

The New York Times

Advice is for guidance only.

The Guardian - Money

We come here for guidance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for guidance" when you want to express that someone is seeking help, advice, or direction, particularly in situations involving decision-making or problem-solving.

Common error

Avoid using "for guidance" in situations where more specific terms like "for help", "for assistance", or "for information" would be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for guidance" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the purpose or reason behind an action. As Ludwig AI underlines, its grammatical usage aligns with standard English conventions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

32%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for guidance" is a grammatically sound and highly versatile expression used to indicate the purpose of seeking advice, direction, or support. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's widely accepted in standard English and appears frequently across diverse contexts, including news, academic writing, and general informational content. While its usage is broad, it's most effective when implying a need for informed decision-making or assistance in navigating complex situations. When writing, be mindful of potentially more specific alternatives depending on the context. Overall, "for guidance" is a reliable and effective phrase for expressing the act of seeking direction or support.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for direction

Focuses more on the specific path to follow, rather than general support.

seeking advice

Implies asking for counsel or recommendations from someone knowledgeable.

in search of counsel

A more formal way of expressing the need for advice.

looking for support

Emphasizes the need for emotional or practical assistance.

requesting assistance

A formal way to ask for help or support in a particular task or situation.

needing mentorship

Highlights the desire for a more experienced person to provide advice and support.

for recommendations

Specifically asking for suggestions or endorsements.

in pursuit of orientation

Emphasis on understanding one's position or purpose relative to something else.

desiring orientation

Focuses on wanting to get your bearings or find the right direction.

wanting direction

Simple and direct way of saying that someone wants instruction.

FAQs

How can I use "for guidance" in a sentence?

You can use "for guidance" to indicate the purpose of seeking help or direction. For example: "I prayed "for guidance" before making the decision." Or, "Consult your supervisors "for guidance" on this matter."

What's a more formal alternative to "for guidance"?

More formal alternatives include "in search of counsel", "seeking expert advice", or "requesting formal mentorship". These options are suitable for professional or academic contexts where a higher level of formality is required.

When is it appropriate to use "for guidance" versus "for help"?

"For guidance" is best used when seeking direction, advice, or mentorship, often in situations involving decision-making. "For help" is more general and can be used in any situation where assistance is needed, whether it's physical, emotional, or informational.

What can I say instead of "for guidance"?

You can use alternatives like "for direction", "seeking advice", or "looking for support" depending on the specific context.