has sounded out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has sounded out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of expressing or articulating thoughts, opinions, or ideas, often to gauge reactions or opinions from others. Example: "She has sounded out her colleagues about the proposed changes to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

LU has sounded out Tube Lines about a takeover but so far the shareholders are supporting the business.

The Guardian - Business

Tercek, who is fifty-seven, is a practiced listener: during his decades as an investment banker, he has sounded out a lot of executives.

The New Yorker

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has sounded out a move for Auxerre striker Paul-Georges Ntep after injuries forced his hand in the January transfer window.

Independent

The British government has sounded out some UK charities on their willingness to take over aid delivery in areas where the EU can no longer work.

The Guardian

Barclays has sounded out shareholders about a possible cash call although only 13% of them backed its last funding when it raised £4bn, as well as £500m from new investors in Japan.

The Guardian - Business

Australia has sounded out 21 countries as possible members, including America, China, India and Japan.As Mr Rudd sees it, China's emergence as an economic giant opens up political and security challenges that would be best handled by a new institution, not Asia's plethora of existing bodies.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Labour people I've sounded out fully recognise this nuanced description of the party's activist landscape in the capital.

The Guardian

The club have sounded out Terry Venables and Steve Cotterill and the board are undecided whether to go for a British or foreign coach.

The Guardian - Sport

Chelsea have sounded out Antonio Conte as they consider their options over who to appoint as their next permanent manager.

The Guardian - Sport

The new owner of Channel 5, Richard Desmond, is understood to have sounded out former BBC director general Greg Dyke about running the station following the departure of Dawn Airey.

The Guardian

The co-owners, David Sullivan and David Gold, are prepared to offer an even bigger salary to his successor and have sounded out a number of candidates.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has sounded out" when you want to convey that someone has made preliminary inquiries or explored options without making a formal commitment. This suggests a careful and considered approach.

Common error

Avoid using "has sounded out" in highly formal or official contexts. It implies an informal approach; for formal inquiries, use phrases like "has formally requested" or "has initiated discussions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has sounded out" functions as a verb phrase in the past perfect tense. It's used to describe an action of making preliminary inquiries or exploring options that occurred before another point in time. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Sports

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has sounded out" is a grammatically correct and usable idiomatic expression indicating preliminary inquiries or exploration. Ludwig AI identifies it as appropriate for neutral to professional contexts, particularly within News & Media. While "has sounded out" isn't overly formal, it's a handy way to convey the idea of gauging interest or exploring options before committing to something more significant. Consider alternatives like "has gauged interest" or "has tested the waters" depending on the nuance you want to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has sounded people out

Similar structure but emphasizes the human element.

has gauged interest

Focuses on measuring the level of interest in something.

has tested the waters

Emphasizes a cautious approach to exploring a situation.

has taken the temperature

Idiomatic expression that suggests assessing the general sentiment.

has explored possibilities

Highlights the act of investigating potential options.

has sought opinions

Directly refers to asking for viewpoints from others.

has canvassed views

Implies a more comprehensive and systematic gathering of opinions.

has felt out

More informal, suggesting a subtle and indirect approach.

has approached informally

Highlights the informal nature of the inquiry.

has probed discreetly

Emphasizes the discreet and subtle nature of the inquiry.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "has sounded out" a person or organization?

To say someone "has sounded out" a person or organization means they have made preliminary inquiries or explored their opinions or intentions, often informally and without a firm commitment.

How can I use "has sounded out" in a sentence?

You can use "has sounded out" to describe someone exploring options or gauging interest. For example, "The manager "has sounded out" employees about their willingness to work overtime."

What are some alternatives to "has sounded out"?

Alternatives to "has sounded out" include "has gauged interest", "has tested the waters", or "has explored possibilities" depending on the specific context.

Is "has sounded out" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "has sounded out" is more suited for neutral or informal writing. In formal contexts, consider using more formal alternatives like "has initiated discussions" or "has formally inquired".