seeking approval

USAGE SUMMARY

"seeking approval" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone trying to gain acknowledgement or acceptance from someone else. For example, "He was seeking approval from his parents for his decision to quit his job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Albany has approved the county's request seeking approval for the tax.

The New York Times

"We'll see – I've given up seeking approval.

The Guardian

The developers are now seeking approval from the landmarks commission.

The New York Times

Triangle is seeking approval for its own AIDS drug.

The New York Times

"I really, really thought about it," she said, seeking approval.

The New York Times

Verizon said it was seeking approval of the spectrum transfer by the middle of 2012.

The New York Times

The fund has been seeking approval in China for several years, he said.

The New York Times

Infosys, a software-services company, is seeking approval to raise up to 100 times that amount.

The Economist

(Phase III pivotal trials are the last step before seeking approval).

The New York Times

Ranbaxy Laboratories is seeking approval for another, but Ranbaxy has been under federal scrutiny.

The New York Times - Health

AstraZeneca is seeking approval to sell cheap off-patent drugs to Brazil.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seeking approval", ensure that the context clearly indicates from whom the approval is being sought. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice constructions that obscure who is granting the approval. Instead of "Approval is being sought", specify who is "seeking approval" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seeking approval" primarily functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun within a sentence. It describes the act of trying to obtain permission, agreement, or validation. Ludwig examples showcase its use across various contexts, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seeking approval" is a grammatically correct and frequently used gerund phrase, denoting the act of trying to gain acceptance or authorization. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a versatile phrase suitable for diverse writing contexts, from news reports to formal business communications. While it appears most often in "News & Media", it's also common in scientific and business domains. When using "seeking approval", clarity about the source of approval is crucial. While generally neutral, it can be made more formal by using alternatives such as "requesting permission".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aiming for acceptance

Focuses on the goal of being accepted or approved by a particular group or individual.

needing validation

Highlights the underlying requirement or necessity for acknowledgment and support.

requesting permission

Focuses specifically on asking for formal authorization, rather than general acceptance.

pursuing authorization

Suggests a determined effort to obtain official sanction or permission.

desiring affirmation

Emphasizes the need for confirmation or validation of one's actions or ideas.

chasing validation

Implies actively pursuing confirmation of one's worth or correctness from others.

soliciting endorsement

Highlights the act of actively seeking support or recommendation from someone.

canvassing support

Focuses on seeking backing or agreement from a group or community.

courting favor

Implies an attempt to gain someone's positive regard, often through flattery or special attention.

fishing for compliments

Indicates an indirect or subtle attempt to elicit praise or admiration.

FAQs

How can I use "seeking approval" in a sentence?

You can use "seeking approval" to describe the act of trying to obtain permission or validation. For example, "The company is "seeking approval" from the FDA for its new drug."

What are some alternatives to "seeking approval"?

Alternatives include "requesting permission", "pursuing authorization", or "aiming for acceptance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "requesting approval" or "seeking approval"?

"Requesting approval" is generally considered more formal than "seeking approval". The latter is suitable for a broader range of contexts, while the former is more appropriate for official or professional settings.

What does it mean when someone is "seeking approval" in interpersonal relationships?

In interpersonal relationships, "seeking approval" often implies that someone is looking for validation or acceptance from others. This could manifest as "desiring affirmation" of their choices, actions, or personality.