put out feelers

USAGE SUMMARY

"put out feelers" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to mean "to try to get information or feedback about something," and is often used in the context of seeking an opportunity or making an inquiry. For example, "After being laid off, John put out feelers to see if any of his contacts had heard of any job openings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The young man she helped place in her husband's real estate office has already put out feelers, this time through formal intern programs at top investment banks.

The New York Times

But when president, Mr Uribe himself put out feelers to those he calls "terrorists".

The Economist

Mr Mugabe has put out feelers to Britain's new government under David Cameron.

The Economist

Indeed, Sanwa is rumoured to have put out feelers in the past few days.

The Economist

I put out feelers to NASA, the British Antarctic Survey and Google for help.

The New York Times

Put out feelers to Philadelphia programs like St. Joseph's and La Salle.

The New York Times - Sports

The newly elected Yudhoyono administration put out feelers towards a possible resolution.

The Guardian - Opinion

Among others, the Bolshoi Ballet and the Kirov Ballet have put out feelers.

The New York Times - Arts

Before the end of last season, Girardi put out feelers to the YES Network.

The New York Times - Sports

This may explain why he has put out feelers to exiled leaders of the former southern state.

The Economist

Indeed, during the invasion of Iraq, Iran put out feelers to explore the possibility of detente.A lot has changed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "put out feelers" when you want to subtly explore a situation or opportunity without making a direct or formal approach. It's ideal for initial inquiries or gauging interest.

Common error

While "put out feelers" is common, it can sound informal in highly professional or academic settings. Opt for more formal alternatives like "make inquiries" or "explore possibilities" when a more serious tone is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put out feelers" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It's typically used to describe the action of making initial, tentative inquiries or explorations to gather information or gauge interest. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "put out feelers" is a common and generally acceptable idiomatic verb phrase used to describe making tentative inquiries or explorations. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal contexts; more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "explore possibilities" or "make inquiries". Its purpose is to gather information or gauge interest subtly before taking more direct action. As demonstrated by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig, this phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

test the waters

Highlights cautious exploration of a situation or opportunity.

explore possibilities

Focuses on a broader exploration rather than specific inquiries.

ask around

Informal way of seeking information from multiple people.

sound out opinions

Emphasizes gathering opinions and gauging reactions.

investigate options

Implies a more thorough and formal examination of choices.

make inquiries

A more formal and direct approach to gathering information.

check for interest

Specifically aims to determine if there is interest in something.

seek information

General term for trying to find out about something.

look for opportunities

Focuses specifically on finding chances or openings.

conduct reconnaissance

A more strategic and planned approach to gathering intelligence.

FAQs

What does it mean to "put out feelers"?

To "put out feelers" means to explore or investigate a situation, opportunity, or idea in an indirect or subtle way, often to gauge interest or gather information before committing to a more direct course of action.

How can I use "put out feelers" in a sentence?

You can use "put out feelers" in a sentence like this: "Before launching the new product, the company decided to "test the waters" and "put out feelers" to potential customers."

What are some alternatives to "put out feelers"?

Some alternatives to "put out feelers" include "explore possibilities", "make inquiries", "test the waters", and "seek information".

Is "put out feelers" appropriate for formal writing?

While "put out feelers" is widely understood, it's generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using more direct and professional alternatives such as "conduct research" or "initiate preliminary discussions".