seeking counsel

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seeking counsel" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of asking for advice or guidance, typically from a professional or expert. Example: "Before making a major decision, I recommend seeking counsel from a financial advisor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Counseling is effective when the other is seeking counsel.

Huffington Post

Mr. Hejtmanek said he called Mr. Meyer nearly every day, seeking counsel.

The New York Times

I felt uncomfortable with the scene, seeking counsel, I looked to the right.

The New York Times

Her devotees write to her in droves, sharing their own stories and seeking counsel.

The Guardian - Books

As a political journalist, that means seeking counsel from politicians (hey, beggars can't be choosers).

The Washington Post

Seeking counsel, he had come to me supposedly to problem solve.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

And the number of students seeking counselling on campus has risen by 33% since 2008.

The Guardian

Looking ahead, Francesco said his son would not be seeking counselling to overcome his trauma.

The Guardian

Last year it was announced that the number of university students seeking counselling rose by 33%.

The Guardian

There was a 39% rise in students seeking counselling for depression over the same period.

The Guardian

He took up boxing to help cope with feelings of aggression before finally seeking counselling.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seeking counsel", consider the formality of the situation. While generally appropriate, simpler alternatives like "asking for advice" may be preferable in informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "seeking counsel" in overly casual or informal settings. Simpler phrases like "getting advice" or "talking to someone" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seeking counsel" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a larger clause. As Ludwig AI shows, it describes the action of asking for advice or guidance, often from someone considered an expert or authority.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seeking counsel" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that indicates the act of asking for advice or guidance, often from an expert. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, with a slightly formal tone. It is frequently found in news and media, academic writing and formal business settings. For less formal situations, simpler alternatives like "asking for advice" may be more appropriate. The best practice is to use "seeking counsel" when a level of formality is desired, while avoiding overuse in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeking advice

Slightly less formal than "seeking counsel".

requesting guidance

Focuses on the act of asking for direction or advice.

consulting an expert

Emphasizes the act of seeking advice from a knowledgeable individual.

looking for guidance

Similar to "asking for advice", but emphasizes the search.

asking for advice

A simpler and more direct way to express the same concept.

obtaining input

Highlights the process of gathering opinions or perspectives.

soliciting advice

Implies a formal or deliberate request for guidance.

getting recommendations

Focuses on receiving specific suggestions or endorsements.

appealing for direction

Suggests a strong need for guidance in a particular situation.

referring to an advisor

Highlights the act of turning to a specific advisor for help.

FAQs

What does "seeking counsel" mean?

"Seeking counsel" means asking for advice or guidance, typically from someone knowledgeable or experienced in a particular area.

How to use "seeking counsel" in a sentence?

You can use "seeking counsel" in sentences like: "Before making a major decision, it's wise to consider "seeking counsel" from a trusted advisor."

What can I say instead of "seeking counsel"?

You can use alternatives like "requesting guidance", "consulting an expert", or "asking for advice" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "seeking counsel"?

"Seeking counsel" is appropriate in formal or professional contexts when you are looking for advice or guidance from someone with expertise or experience.