seeking election

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seeking election" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an individual or group that is attempting to be elected to a position, typically in a political context. Example: "The candidate is seeking election to the city council in the upcoming municipal elections."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Using close election outcomes, we identify a personal effect of incumbency on the probability of seeking election, and seeking and winning office in subsequent elections for elected officials in an Open List Proportional System.

Electoral Studies

Seeking election, Pres.

The New Yorker

Mr. Paterson is not seeking election.

The New York Times

Not seeking election to full term.

The New York Times

Dunlop is seeking election to the BHP board.

The Guardian - Business

Democrats seeking election now do better when gay marriage is also on the ballot.

The Economist

For years, candidates seeking election there have pledged to block any new broad-based taxes.

The New York Times

The New Yorker, March 22 , 1976P. 23 Seeking election, Pres.

The New Yorker

The Tories are right now seeking election on their manifesto pledge.

The Guardian - Opinion

By Daniel Lang The New Yorker, March 22 , 1976P. 23 Seeking election, Pres.

The New Yorker

"The Turnbull government is seeking election fundamentally on the record of the Abbott government.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a specific election, combine "seeking election" with the relevant office or position, such as "seeking election to the Senate" or "seeking election as mayor".

Common error

Avoid using "seeking election" to describe someone who has already been elected and is currently serving in office. The phrase specifically refers to the period before an election when someone is campaigning or attempting to get elected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seeking election" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as part of a larger clause to describe the action of a person or group trying to obtain an elected position. Ludwig's examples show its application in news reports and academic papers.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seeking election" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe the act of a candidate trying to win a political office. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is appropriate for use in formal and informal contexts, though predominantly appearing in neutral registers such as news and media. Alternatives like ""running for office"" and "campaigning for election" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. It is important to avoid using "seeking election" to describe individuals already in office; the phrase refers specifically to the pre-election period.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

running for office

Replaces "seeking" with the more direct action of "running", indicating active campaigning.

campaigning for election

Highlights the active campaigning aspect of trying to get elected.

pursuing a political seat

Emphasizes the aim of obtaining a "political seat".

vying for a position

Suggests a competitive element in the process of seeking a role.

contesting an election

Focuses on the act of competing in an election.

bidding for office

Implies an attempt to win a political office, similar to placing a bid.

aiming for election

Highlights the goal-oriented aspect of seeking election.

aspiring to be elected

Focuses on the ambition and desire to be elected.

soliciting votes

Emphasizes the activity of requesting votes from the electorate.

seeking a mandate

Focuses on obtaining the authority to govern through election.

FAQs

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

You can use "seeking election" to describe a candidate's efforts to win a political office. For example, "The candidate is "running for office", seeking election to the state legislature".

What is an alternative to the phrase "seeking election"?

Alternatives include ""running for office"", "campaigning for election", or "vying for a position", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is "seeking election" after they have already won?

No, "seeking election" refers to the period before the election when a candidate is trying to win the office. After winning, they are considered to be "elected" or "holding office".

What's the difference between "seeking election" and ""running for office""?

While similar, "seeking election" emphasizes the action of trying to get elected. "Running for office" is a more general term that encompasses all activities related to being a candidate.