looking for affirmation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking for affirmation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone seeks validation or approval for their thoughts, feelings, or actions. Example: "In her speech, she expressed that she was looking for affirmation from her peers regarding her decision to pursue a new career path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Boston College (11-1, 2-1), ranked 24th, was looking for affirmation that its quick start was not a mirage.

The New York Times - Sports

"When you're 15, you're looking for affirmation, looking to be part of a tribe, and we provided that for each other," Mr. Tiffany said.

The New York Times

Better were the many moments in which one hoped to catch the other's eye, but didn't — still looking for affirmation through it all.

The New York Times - Arts

But we are all self-facilitating media nodes now, if only because we all hoot our opinions into the void of social media, vainly looking for affirmation.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

There are a lot of gay and lesbian people out there who are looking for affirmation, who have no desire to be a bishop.

The New York Times

"When I was first building this app I was always looking for affirmation of what to build it with, without rejection worries.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"The market is looking for some affirmation that barnesandnoble.com will keep up with the Jones'," says David Menlow of the IPO Financial Network research firm.

Forbes

But they're looking for affection, for affirmation.

Vice

"If the International Olympic Committee was looking for an official affirmation of Saudi discrimination against women in sport, the minister in charge [Faisal] just gave it," said a Human Rights Watch spokesman, Christoph Wilcke.

The Guardian - Sport

But those looking for some positive affirmation maybe shouldn't rush to Facebook to get it.

Huffington Post

I think Othello is looking for some self-affirmation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "looking for affirmation", consider the context and choose synonyms if the desire for validation seems too overt. Subtler phrasing can sometimes be more effective.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "looking for affirmation" when describing your own experiences. Instead, vary your language to express the nuances of your emotional needs, such as "seeking validation" or "wanting reassurance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking for affirmation" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun, or as part of a continuous verb tense. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in contexts where individuals or entities seek validation or approval.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looking for affirmation" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that conveys the act of seeking validation or approval. While Ludwig AI indicates its usage across various contexts, it's more common in news and media, wiki and science domains. When writing, be mindful of potential overuse in personal narratives and consider employing synonyms to enhance clarity and impact. The phrase can effectively highlight a character's desire for external validation or a group's need for recognition, as showcased in the Ludwig examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeking validation

Focuses on the act of validating one's feelings or ideas.

desiring approval

Highlights the want for positive feedback or agreement.

needing confirmation

Emphasizes the requirement for proof or verification.

wanting reassurance

Suggests a need for comfort and confidence.

craving acceptance

Implies a strong desire to be included or approved by a group.

in search of support

Highlights the active seeking of assistance or encouragement.

soliciting agreement

Focuses on actively asking for concurrence or consent.

pursuing validation

Suggests a determined effort to gain approval.

coveting recognition

Emphasizes the longing for acknowledgment or praise.

yearning for endorsement

Implies a deep desire for formal approval or support.

FAQs

What does "looking for affirmation" mean?

It means seeking validation, support, or approval from others regarding one's actions, beliefs, or feelings. It suggests a need for external confirmation to feel secure or justified.

What can I say instead of "looking for affirmation"?

You can use alternatives like "seeking validation", "desiring approval", or "needing confirmation" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "looking for affirmation" a negative trait?

It's not inherently negative, but excessive reliance on external validation can indicate insecurity or a lack of self-confidence. Healthy self-esteem involves a balance between internal and external sources of support.

How to use "looking for affirmation" in a sentence?

Example: "The student was "looking for affirmation" from her teacher that her essay was well-written". You can also use it to describe a general tendency: "Teenagers are often "looking for affirmation" from their peers".