seek assurance

USAGE SUMMARY

"seek assurance" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
In this context, it means to ask for a guarantee or for something to be affirmed. For example: She sought assurance from her lawyer that her legal rights were fully protected.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It actually hurt to watch him desperately seek assurance from Dryden.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We have no doubt that institutional investors will seek assurance and clarity about the nature of the business relationships".

The Guardian - Business

But given the history of proliferation in its neighborhood, India does seek assurance in the form of minimum nuclear deterrent.

The New York Times

Canon Der said that for his part, he would seek assurance that the changes be made permanent.

The New York Times

Accounting officers at national and local-government level need to actively seek assurance that public money is being managed to the standards expected.

The Guardian

He also asks the prime minister to seek assurance from his ministers "that they have not had professional dealings with Mr Robb since his resignation from parliament".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Vince Cable, the business secretary, will seek assurances from HP this week.

The Guardian - Business

They will also seek assurances that Bush has diplomatic immunity.

The Guardian

Technically, U.S. law required the C.I.A. to seek "assurances" from Egypt that rendered suspects wouldn't face torture.

The New Yorker

Whittingdale said he would seek assurances from BBC News director James Harding about protecting the World Service as a counterweight to Russia Today.

The Guardian

Technically, U.S. law requires the C.I.A. to seek "assurances" from foreign governments that rendered suspects won't be tortured.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seek assurance" in situations where there is a need to reduce uncertainty or mitigate potential risks. It suggests a proactive approach to ensuring a desired outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "seek assurance" in very casual conversations. Opt for simpler phrases like "ask for confirmation" or "check" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek assurance" functions as a verbal phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a sentence. It indicates the action of attempting to obtain a guarantee, confirmation, or promise. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts where someone is trying to reduce uncertainty or gain confidence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seek assurance" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of trying to obtain a guarantee or confirmation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. It is frequently found in news and media, as well as formal business contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying what kind of assurance is needed and from whom it is being sought. Avoid using "seek assurance" in very informal settings, opting for simpler alternatives like "ask for confirmation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request a guarantee

This alternative focuses on the act of asking for a formal promise.

solicit confirmation

This alternative uses a more formal tone, highlighting the act of seeking verification.

pursue verification

This alternative emphasizes the active pursuit of validating information or a claim.

attempt to gain certainty

This alternative highlights the desire for definiteness and clarity.

try to obtain validation

This alternative focuses on the act of getting something approved or recognized.

look for affirmation

This alternative emphasizes the search for positive confirmation or support.

ask for validation

A direct request for something to be proven or declared valid.

require confirmation

This suggests a need or necessity for confirmation, often as a condition.

demand guarantee

This alternative emphasizes a strong insistence on receiving a formal promise.

get validation

This is a more direct and concise way of expressing the action of acquiring validation.

FAQs

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

You can use "seek assurance" to describe the act of trying to obtain a guarantee or confirmation about something. For example, "The investors "sought assurances" that the company was financially stable before investing."

What are some alternatives to "seek assurance"?

Alternatives to "seek assurance" include "request a guarantee", "solicit confirmation", or "pursue verification". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

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

"Seek assurance" emphasizes the action of trying to obtain a guarantee, while "get assurance" focuses on the result of having obtained it. Depending on whether you want to highlight the attempt or the outcome, either phrase could be appropriate.

What does it mean to "seek assurances" in a legal or business context?

In legal or business settings, to "seek assurances" often means to formally request and receive guarantees or promises that certain conditions will be met or that certain actions will be taken to mitigate risk. This might involve seeking contractual "get guarantees" or written commitments.