seek backing for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seek backing for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are looking for support or endorsement for a particular idea, project, or initiative. Example: "The organization plans to seek backing for its new environmental initiative to promote sustainability in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Mr Philippe, now under arrest in the Dominican Republic, is one of nine officers who fled Haiti in November 2000 after foolishly approaching the American embassy to seek backing for a coup.

The Economist

His advisers are privately making comparisons to the decision in 2005 by a predecessor, Junichiro Koizumi, to call a snap election to seek backing for privatising the postal service.

The Economist

As well as Blood's two failed attempts to seek backing for major business ventures from Lewis, some minority investors in M&B are concerned about how he came to be selected as a director.

The Guardian - Business

Speaking in Paris on Sunday during a European tour to rally support for military action, John Kerry, US secretary of state, said Washington did not rule out a return to the UN security council to seek backing for military strikes, once UN inspectors have completed an on-the-ground investigation of the 21 August attack.

The Guardian

Palestinian officials were expected to start working with members of the security council to seek backing for a resolution setting a timeframe for the ending of what he called the "racist and colonial" occupation – a resolution certain to be opposed by the US.

The Guardian

Some lawmakers have said Obama should seek backing for the strike with a vote in Congress.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

WOMAN INVENTOR DIES IN POVERTY; El Dorado Jones Spent Recent Years Seeking Backing for Airplane Muffler.

The New York Times

He returned to the United States later that year and sought backing for another voyage.

Britannica

NBC had sought backing for an effort to change rules that limit the number of stations one company can own.

The New York Times - Arts

Archives|WOMAN INVENTOR DIES IN POVERTY; El Dorado Jones Spent Recent Years Seeking Backing for Airplane Muffler.

The New York Times

Mr. Blumenthal said there was wide-spread support for the bill, with 35 towns and cities responding to a letter he sent seeking backing for the legislation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seek backing for" when you need to convince someone to accept your proposal, idea, or initiative. Describe clearly the benefits of accepting your ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "seek backing for" without specifying the nature of the backing needed. Being too general can lead to attracting the wrong type of support or diluting your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek backing for" functions as a verb phrase, typically used within a sentence to express the action of actively pursuing support or approval for a particular initiative, idea, or proposal. This usage aligns with Ludwig's assessment, which confirms the phrase's correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seek backing for" is a grammatically sound and usable verb phrase that conveys the act of pursuing support or approval, as affirmed by Ludwig. While it's not the most common phrase, its usage is prevalent in news and media, formal business, and encyclopedic contexts. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to clearly specify the type of support being sought. Alternatives include "request support for", "solicit endorsement of", and "pursue approval for". Overall, "seek backing for" provides a straightforward way to express the need for support in achieving goals, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request support for

Focuses on the act of asking for assistance or help, highlighting the direct appeal for aid.

garner support for

Implies a wider effort to collect or gather backing from a larger group or community.

solicit endorsement of

Emphasizes the formal process of obtaining approval or recommendation from an authority.

pursue approval for

Highlights the active effort to get agreement or permission for a plan or idea.

gain sponsorship for

Specifically refers to obtaining financial or material support from a sponsor.

drum up support for

Suggests actively promoting and creating enthusiasm to get backing, often for a cause or campaign.

find champions for

Emphasizes the need to identify individuals who will actively advocate for and support an idea.

attract investment in

Centers on the goal of drawing financial resources into a project or venture.

court favor for

Suggests strategically trying to win approval or goodwill from someone influential.

get the go-ahead for

Focuses on receiving permission or authorization to proceed with a plan or project.

FAQs

How can I use "seek backing for" in a sentence?

You can use "seek backing for" when you are looking for support or endorsement for a particular idea, project, or initiative. For example: "The organization plans to "seek backing for" its new environmental initiative to promote sustainability in the community."

What can I say instead of "seek backing for"?

You can use alternatives like "request support for", "solicit endorsement of", or "pursue approval for" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "seek backing for" in a formal setting?

Yes, the phrase "seek backing for" is suitable for both formal and informal settings. However, in very formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "solicit endorsement of" or "pursue approval for".

Which is correct, "seek backing for" or "seeking backing for"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have different grammatical functions. "Seek backing for" is an infinitive phrase, while "seeking backing for" is a gerund phrase. The choice depends on the sentence structure and the intended meaning.