seek an opening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seek an opening" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to looking for an opportunity or chance to act, especially in a strategic or competitive context. Example: "In negotiations, it's important to seek an opening to present your best offer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But she is certainly readier than Mr Lee to seek an opening.

The Economist

That suggests that the White House believes Ayatollah Khamenei has empowered Mr. Rouhani, at least for now, to seek an opening with the West.

The New York Times

This is the first time Mr. Obama has written directly to an Iranian president, and not the supreme leader, suggesting that the White House believes Ayatollah Khamenei has empowered Mr. Rouhani to seek an opening with the West.

The New York Times

Or he could accept the impossibility of defeating the Communists in South Vietnam, and try instead to reduce civilian casualties, turn over more responsibility for fighting to the Vietnamese, pressure the government in Saigon to improve its performance, and seek an opening for negotiations.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Since taking office, the administration has seemed to swing between seeking an opening and cutting off talks.

The New York Times

Careers officers report an unusually high number of last year's graduates still seeking an opening, even from the most prestigious universities, such as Cambridge and the London School of Economics.

Independent

Blouin Truck Center of Augusta, Me., posted a dark red PT Cruiser on eBay last week, seeking an opening bid of $19,990, or $2,400 above list.

The New York Times

With Ledson producing a mature performance in central midfield, Garbutt providing a steady supply of crosses and McAleny always seeking an opening, the youngsters were key to the improvement.

The Guardian - Sport

Alvarez's Christmas-tree green gloves remained in their holster as he sought an opening and Mayweather filled in the gaps with the most annoying jab in the business.

The Guardian - Sport

Or on that night when he visited a heronry among the sand dunes of Sandy Neck, Barnstable: "The windless air was stagnant and fetid; swarms of stinging midges, deerflies, and mosquitoes attacked at will; and vicious wood-ticks, hanging from the vegetation, reached for me with their clinging claws, and crawled upon my limbs, seeking an opening to bury their heads in my flesh".

The New Yorker

Lee was convinced that the DPRK would keep tension high towards the South, while seeking an opening with the U.S. Therefore, his recommendation to ROK policymakers was to stay on an even keel to keep the South-North situation from deteriorating further.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seek an opening" when you want to emphasize a strategic or calculated approach to finding an opportunity, especially in situations involving negotiation or competition.

Common error

Avoid using "seek an opening" in very informal contexts. While generally acceptable, it carries a slightly more formal tone than simply "look for a chance."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek an opening" primarily functions as a verbal phrase, where "seek" acts as a verb and "an opening" functions as its object. It indicates the action of actively looking for an opportunity or chance. Ludwig confirms the usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seek an opening" denotes a strategic pursuit of opportunity. Ludwig's analysis, confirmed by its AI, indicates that it is grammatically sound and primarily used in news and media contexts, with a moderate level of formality. While alternatives like "look for a chance" exist, "seek an opening" carries a more deliberate and calculated connotation. When using this phrase, remember to consider the formality of the setting and ensure it aligns with the intended strategic nuance. The best practice is to emphasize a calculated approach and avoid using it in informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look for a chance

Focuses on finding a possibility or opportunity to do something.

search for an opportunity

Emphasizes the act of actively searching for a favorable circumstance.

pursue an opportunity

Highlights the active following or chasing of a specific opportunity.

aim for a breakthrough

Implies seeking a significant advancement or progress in a situation.

explore possibilities

Suggests a broader investigation into potential opportunities or options.

try to gain ground

Focuses on making progress or achieving an advantage in a competitive situation.

attempt to create an opportunity

Emphasizes the effort to actively generate a favorable situation, rather than passively waiting for one.

work towards a favorable situation

Underlines the process of trying to achieve an advantage through effort and dedication.

hunt for an advantage

Suggests an aggressive and determined search for something that will give a competitive edge.

position oneself for success

Highlights the strategic act of preparing for future achievement by seeking out opportunities.

FAQs

What does "seek an opening" mean?

The phrase "seek an opening" means to look for an opportunity or a chance to do something, especially in a situation where there may be obstacles or resistance.

What can I say instead of "seek an opening"?

You can use alternatives like "look for a chance", "search for an opportunity", or "pursue an opportunity" depending on the context.

Is "seek an opening" formal or informal?

The phrase "seek an opening" is generally considered to be moderately formal. It's suitable for professional, news-related, or academic contexts.

How to use "seek an opening" in a sentence?

You can use "seek an opening" to describe someone looking for a strategic opportunity, such as, "The negotiator will carefully seek an opening to present their best offer".