looking for sanction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking for sanction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when seeking approval, permission, or endorsement for an action or decision. Example: "The committee is looking for sanction from the board before proceeding with the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

One would have to be a fool (and looking for sanction) to cite bad law.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We are looking for focused sanctions on the regime itself," he said.

The New York Times

"The Iranians are looking for fundamental sanctions relief," said Ray Takeyh, an expert on Iran at the Council on Foreign Relations.

The New York Times

"But we are not looking for trade sanctions so it is really up to them to decide".

The Guardian

Now the Obama administration is looking for specific sanctions against individual leaders, though most of their money is probably in Europe or Lebanon.

The New York Times

But understandably, people who have suffered discrimination are often determined to secure some measure of justice for the humiliating treatment they have experienced and increasingly are looking for formal sanctions – including tribunal hearings.

The Guardian

Make out with weirdos, have a threesome or find love that makes you scare yourself, because there's nothing greater than being young and in love, and if you're looking for institutionally sanctioned love at 22, you'll be at salsa classes by 25, and that'll be the end of being young forever.

Vice

"When you're already struggling to make ends meet whilst looking for work, a sanction can end up making it harder to put food on the table and adds an extra obstacle to the huge challenge of getting a job".

BBC

The Obama Administration has been looking for alternatives to the sanctions and isolation that have been American policy toward Burma since 1990, and that have manifestly failed, seeking instead what it calls "pragmatic engagement".

The New Yorker

The clubs understand that if people break the £105m we will be looking for the top-end, ultimate sanction range: points deduction.

Independent

The Indian government,"seems to be rebuking the sanctions and looking for workarounds," Senator Robert Menendez, a New Jersey democrat said at the hearing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "looking for sanction", ensure the context clearly indicates what type of approval or authorization is being sought. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Be aware that "sanction" can mean both 'approval' and 'penalty'. Ensure your sentence structure and surrounding words clarify whether you're seeking approval or anticipating a punishment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking for sanction" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of seeking or requesting approval, permission, or authorization. As Ludwig AI states, it is indeed correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looking for sanction" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the act of seeking approval, permission, or authorization, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is more common in news and media contexts, with a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the context clarifies the type of approval being sought and to be aware of the dual meaning of "sanction" (approval vs. penalty). Alternatives like "seeking approval" or "requesting authorization" can be used to add clarity or vary the tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeking approval

Focuses directly on the act of getting approval, without specifying the type of approval.

requesting authorization

Emphasizes the formal process of getting official permission.

pursuing endorsement

Highlights the act of trying to get support or backing.

seeking validation

Focuses on confirming the correctness or justification of something.

aiming for ratification

Suggests a formal approval process, often involving voting or official agreement.

desiring accreditation

Specifically seeks official recognition or certification.

wanting confirmation

Expresses a need for verification or assurance.

trying to legitimize

Implies an effort to make something lawful or acceptable.

searching for justification

Focuses on finding reasons or evidence to support an action or decision.

expecting consent

Implies anticipating agreement or permission from another party.

FAQs

What does "looking for sanction" mean?

The phrase "looking for sanction" means seeking approval, permission, or endorsement for an action or decision. The term "sanction" can refer to both approval and penalties, so context is important.

How can I use "looking for sanction" in a sentence?

You can use "looking for sanction" to describe a situation where someone is seeking formal approval for a plan or action. For example: "The committee is "seeking approval" from the board before proceeding with the new policy."

What are some alternatives to "looking for sanction"?

Alternatives to "looking for sanction" include "seeking approval", "requesting authorization", or "pursuing endorsement" depending on the specific context.

Is "looking for sanction" formal or informal?

"Looking for sanction" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more appropriate for professional or official settings where formal approval is required. In casual conversation, phrases like "seeking the go-ahead" might be more suitable.