seek assistance

USAGE SUMMARY

It is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that you require help with something, for example: "If you are having trouble understanding the directions, please seek assistance from the teacher."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Some ask directions or seek assistance.

The New York Times

Most amateur athletes don't seek assistance for fear of exposure.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Should the aid workers consider it necessary, they can seek assistance from lawyers they choose.

The New York Times

The issue has prompted hospitals in several states to seek assistance from sympathetic lawmakers.

The New York Times

Those in between, who are confident but seek assistance from press officers.

The Guardian

"If you're unsure of the conditions, seek assistance from the lifeguards or lifesaving services on patrol".

The Guardian

I still seek assistance pretty much every time, which sort of defeats the object.

The Guardian - Tech

Whatever their exact involvement in the industry, Baskin adds,  it's "difficult for sex workers to seek assistance".

Independent

The European Union is also offering Libya access to E.I.B. loans, should a new government seek assistance.

The New York Times

In general, governments that seek assistance in law enforcement or security investigations prohibit disclosure of the assistance provided".

The New York Times - Tech

But it also appears to have galvanized the mayor to seek assistance for Detroit from other public and private sources.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Remember to specify the type of assistance needed to ensure clarity in your request, for example, "seek technical assistance" or "seek financial assistance".

Common error

Avoid using "assistants" when you mean "assistance". "Assistants" refers to people who provide help, while "assistance" is the help itself. For example, say "seek assistance from a librarian" not "seek assistants from a librarian".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek assistance" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of requesting or looking for help. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, from seeking directions to legal advice.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seek assistance" is a versatile and common phrase used to express the need for help or support. It is grammatically correct and frequently found in news, science, and wiki sources. As Ludwig AI confirms, its directness and formality make it appropriate for professional and neutral contexts. For less formal situations, consider alternatives like "seek help". Remember to use "assistance" when referring to the help itself, not "assistants", who are the helpers. By understanding these nuances, you can confidently use "seek assistance" in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seek help

A more general and direct alternative, lacking the formality of "assistance".

request assistance

A more formal and direct way of asking for help.

seek aid

Similar to "seek help", but may imply seeking more tangible or material support.

secure assistance

Focuses on the successful acquisition of help, emphasizing the outcome of the seeking process.

obtain support

Shifts the focus from seeking to acquiring backing or resources.

pursue assistance

Suggests a determined effort to obtain help, highlighting the persistence involved in seeking support.

appeal for help

Suggests a more urgent or emotional request for support, often in a public or formal setting.

enlist assistance

Implies actively engaging others to provide support, often in a more organized or formal manner.

gather assistance

Emphasizes the act of collecting or accumulating help from various sources, implying a more active role in obtaining support.

solicit assistance

Suggests a more formal or even urgent request for help, often directed towards a specific group or organization.

FAQs

How can I use "seek assistance" in a sentence?

You can use "seek assistance" to indicate that someone needs to ask for or look for help. For example, "If you are unsure of the conditions, "seek assistance" from the lifeguards".

What's a more informal way to say "seek assistance"?

A more informal way to say "seek assistance" is to "seek help". It's more direct and less formal but it carries the same meaning.

Is it better to say "seek assistance" or "get assistance"?

"Seek assistance" implies actively looking for help, while "get assistance" implies receiving help. The better choice depends on whether you're referring to the act of looking for help or the act of receiving it. For instance: "Students are encouraged to "seek assistance" when they struggle with homework" versus "Students are encouraged to "get assistance" after they struggled with homework".

What kind of situations is "seek assistance" appropriate for?

"Seek assistance" is appropriate in situations where you need support or help, whether it's technical, financial, or emotional. It can be used in professional, academic, and personal contexts. For example, you might "seek assistance" from a therapist, a financial advisor, or a tutor.