looking for counsel

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking for counsel" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when seeking advice or guidance from someone, typically in a formal or professional context. Example: "After much consideration, I found myself looking for counsel on how to proceed with my career choices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"One, he was looking for counsel to assist him," Mr. Readler said of his client.

The New York Times

Max was looking for counsel from someone who was demonstrably unqualified to provide it.

The New Yorker

They are not looking for counsel; they both already have lawyers, highly competent ones appointed by federal judges.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Droog says several colleagues have reported an increase in pilots looking for counselling.

The Guardian - Money

I was looking for guidance and counselling, instead I was molested by a guy twice my age.

The Guardian - Opinion

By writing this, I am volunteering to field any phone call in confidence, anytime, for a player looking for friendly counsel.

Huffington Post

Catholics hear sermons, worship, receive the sacraments, and look for religious counsel and direction in their parish.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Obama said he went to last week's luncheon looking for "advice, good counsel and fellowship".

The New York Times

Meanwhile, Apple is looking for advice from counsel before agreeing to hand over the source code, which is a pretty solid idea.

TechCrunch

For one, the company has already hired a CFO and is looking for a general counsel early as it looks to scale up — such as expanding to new states through payroll and other more legally hairy situations.

TechCrunch

Former students of the academy come in and out, studying for their G.E.D., asking for counselling, looking for a job.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "looking for counsel", ensure the context implies a formal or professional setting where expert advice is being sought. Avoid using it in casual conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "looking for counsel" in situations where simpler phrases like "seeking advice" or "asking for help" would be more appropriate. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking for counsel" functions as a verbal phrase, specifically indicating the action of seeking advice or guidance. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in contexts where individuals or organizations are actively seeking expert opinions or professional assistance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "looking for counsel" signifies the act of seeking advice or guidance, predominantly in formal or professional environments. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is grammatically correct, though not overly common, and appears in contexts ranging from news reports to business communications. When a writer wants to improve their text, simpler alternatives include "seeking advice" or "requesting guidance". It is advisable to use "looking for counsel" when emphasizing the intentional and often serious nature of seeking expertise, while avoiding its overuse in casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeking legal advice

Specifically refers to seeking advice from a legal professional; more targeted than the general "counsel".

seeking guidance

Broader term, encompassing advice on any matter, not necessarily legal.

seeking advice

Similar to seeking guidance, but may imply a more informal consultation.

consulting with an advisor

Implies a more formal and structured consultation process.

seeking expert opinion

Highlights the expertise of the person being consulted.

requesting consultation

More formal way of expressing the desire for advice or guidance.

obtaining guidance

Focuses on the act of receiving guidance, rather than seeking it.

soliciting advice

A more formal term for asking for advice.

searching for mentorship

Specifically implies seeking a mentor to provide long-term guidance and support.

in need of direction

Emphasizes the need for guidance, suggesting a lack of clear understanding.

FAQs

What's a simple way to describe "looking for counsel"?

It means seeking advice or guidance, often from an expert or someone with specific knowledge.

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

Use it when seeking advice from a professional or someone in a position of authority. For casual advice, simpler phrases are better.

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

You can use alternatives like "seeking advice", "requesting guidance", or "consulting an expert" depending on the context.

Is "looking for counsel" the same as "looking for a lawyer"?

Not necessarily. While "counsel" can refer to a lawyer, "looking for counsel" can also mean seeking advice from other types of advisors or experts, not just legal professionals.