seek authorization

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seek authorization" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when requesting permission or approval for an action or process. Example: "Before proceeding with the project, we must seek authorization from the management team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

When drafts of the proposals appeared two years ago, they included a key provision: Companies in Europe that store or process personal data would need to seek authorization from a "supervisory authority" before they could transfer personal information outside the Union at the request of a foreign government or court.

The New York Times

Agencies must seek authorization from OPM to offer buyouts.

The Washington Post

Making matters worse, entities that issue certificates, though required to seek authorization from site owners, can technically issue certificates for any Web site.

The New York Times - Tech

And that's why I've made a second decision: I will seek authorization for the use of force from the American people's representatives in Congress.

The New York Times

It is a system so perverse that it forces us to hire clerks whose only role is to seek authorization for needed procedures.

The New York Times

In one instance, a government filing said, two Genovese leaders discussed a plan to send a message to Mr. Gigante to seek authorization to murder an associate.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Of the hospitals that seek authorizations, 10%to15%5% do not screen or treat patients if health plans deny the authorizations, staff members reported.

Los Angeles Times

Officers there sought authorization, and Mr. Rumsfeld approved 15 interrogation techniques.

The New York Times

A 2,500-member United Nations force sought authorization under the United Nations charter to stop the killing.

The New York Times

For example, expanding the definition of "security testing" would ease the requirements for researchers seeking authorization.

Harvard University

Premier Silvio Berlusconi had sex with a number of prostitutes, Milan prosecutors said on Monday in documents seeking authorization to search some of his properties.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the context clearly indicates the purpose and scope of the authorization being sought. Providing detailed information upfront can expedite the approval process.

Common error

A common mistake is failing to specify who or what entity is responsible for granting authorization. Always clarify the source to avoid confusion. For example, instead of saying "We need to seek authorization", specify "We need to seek authorization from the FDA".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek authorization" functions as a verb phrase where "seek" is the main verb (action of asking) and "authorization" is the direct object (the thing being sought). It is used to express the need to obtain formal approval for an action or decision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seek authorization" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe the act of requesting permission or approval, primarily in professional, academic, and news-related contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for formal communication, emphasizing the importance of compliance and proper procedure. When using "seek authorization", be sure to specify from whom the authorization is being sought to ensure clarity. Alternatives like "request approval" or "obtain permission" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request authorization

A more formal and direct synonym, emphasizing the act of requesting.

request permission

Focuses on the act of asking for permission rather than the formal granting of it.

obtain approval

Emphasizes the successful gaining of approval, suggesting a more definitive outcome.

secure clearance

Implies overcoming obstacles to gain authorization, often in security-related contexts.

get the go-ahead

An informal way of saying to receive permission to start something.

solicit endorsement

Highlights seeking support or validation, implying a more public or formal approval process.

apply for license

Specifically refers to the process of requesting a formal license for a particular activity.

seek a permit

Similar to applying for a license, but often used for temporary or specific activities.

pursue accreditation

Focuses on the process of gaining official recognition or certification.

seek sanction

Refers to obtaining official approval or ratification, often in legal or international contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "seek authorization" to indicate the act of requesting permission or approval. For example, "Before proceeding with the project, we must "seek authorization" from the management team".

What are some alternatives to "seek authorization"?

Alternatives include "request approval", "obtain permission", or "secure clearance", depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "seek authorization" or "ask for permission"?

"Seek authorization" is generally more formal than "ask for permission". "Seek authorization" is often used in professional or official contexts, while "ask for permission" is more common in everyday conversation.

When should I use "seek authorization" instead of "request authorization"?

While both phrases are similar, "seek authorization" implies a more proactive approach to obtaining permission, whereas "request authorization" is a more direct and straightforward request.