seek validation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seek validation" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English.
You can use this phrase when describing someone's behavior or actions. It describes the act of trying to get approval or recognition from others. For example: - "She constantly seeks validation from her friends, always seeking their approval and praise." - "John's need to seek validation from his parents often leads to him making impulsive decisions." - "We should learn to trust ourselves and not constantly seek validation from others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

So we seek validation and happiness in other ways.

The Washington Post

It's not as if TV actors still seek validation from doing movies.

The Guardian

They ask the same questions repeatedly and seek validation from adults often.

The Washington Post

It's natural to seek validation for the choices, and particularly the sacrifices, you have made.

Harvard Business Review

And so they grew up really hardwired to seek validation and take care of other people.

Harvard Business Review

Then there are the bewildered ingénues like William Boot and also the women who seek validation in parties and affairs.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

"We naturally seek validation--that we're doing the right thing, doing a good job--but we have to let that go to completely be there for another person".

Huffington Post

Seeking validation of her own mystical experiences, she validates those of her readers.

HuffPost

As Bill Clinton went to Harlem seeking validation from a mostly black crowd, Clarence Thomas went to the Hilton seeking validation from a mostly white crowd.

The New York Times

I am not seeking validation from a partner, I am seeking partnership in that partner".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And clearly the desire to have sex as well, but it was like seeking validation without attachment or obligation".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about someone who "seek validation", consider specifying the source from whom they are seeking it. For example, "seek validation from their peers" provides more context.

Common error

Be cautious of framing characters solely around their need to "seek validation". A well-rounded character should have internal motivations and self-worth independent of external approval.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek validation" functions as a verb phrase where "seek" is a transitive verb and "validation" is its direct object. Ludwig AI confirms that it follows standard grammatical rules and is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

32%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seek validation" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that describes the act of trying to gain approval or recognition from others. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment, further highlighting its versatility across various contexts. As demonstrated by the provided examples, it appears frequently in "News & Media", "Academia", and "Science", making it suitable for both formal and informal writing. While a natural human desire, over-reliance on external validation can be detrimental; therefore, using the phrase thoughtfully is important to effectively convey a character's motivations or a strategic approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pursue approval

Changes the verb from "seek" to "pursue", emphasizing a more active and determined effort to gain approval.

desire acceptance

Focuses on the underlying need for acceptance that drives the search for validation.

solicit affirmation

Replaces "seek" with "solicit" and "validation" with "affirmation", suggesting a more formal and direct request for confirmation.

crave approval

Highlights the intense longing for approval.

request endorsement

Shifts the focus to obtaining an official form of support or approval.

aim for confirmation

Emphasizes the goal of achieving confirmation of one's beliefs or actions.

hunt for recognition

Uses "hunt" instead of "seek", suggesting a more vigorous and persistent search for recognition.

look for support

Focuses on finding backing or assistance, which can be a form of validation.

fish for compliments

An idiomatic expression implying subtly trying to get praise.

want acknowledgment

Highlights the desire to be recognized and acknowledged for one's efforts or qualities.

FAQs

What does it mean to "seek validation"?

To "seek validation" means to look for approval, confirmation, or support from others, often to feel better about oneself or one's actions.

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

You can use "seek validation" to describe someone's behavior, such as: "She tends to "fish for compliments" on social media to "seek validation" from her followers."

What are some synonyms for "seek validation"?

Alternatives to "seek validation" include "pursue approval", "solicit affirmation", or "request endorsement", each with slightly different connotations.

Is it healthy to "seek validation" from others?

While occasional external validation is normal, constantly "seeking validation" can indicate a reliance on external sources for self-worth, which is generally considered unhealthy. Developing internal self-esteem is often a more sustainable approach.