seeking help

USAGE SUMMARY

"seeking help" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is looking for assistance from another person, group, or organization. For example, "John was seeking help from the local charity to pay for his medical bills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He called Osio's office seeking help.

The New Yorker

Not only civilians are seeking help.

The New York Times

Had she ever considered seeking help?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I am seeking help with two projects.

Yale University

Players seeking help often cannot find it.

The New York Times

Treatment centers are also seeing more addicts seeking help.

The New York Times

Its wounded warriors are now seeking help in record numbers.

The Economist

Don't be afraid of the stigma surrounding seeking help.

The Guardian

An Italian judge arrived, seeking help in an investigation.

The New York Times

"Seeking help was the best thing I did".

The Guardian - Sport

All too often social stigma stops them from seeking help.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics like mental health or abuse, using "seeking help" can destigmatize the act of asking for support and encourage those in need to reach out.

Common error

Avoid phrasing that implies self-reliance is always superior to "seeking help". A balanced perspective acknowledges the value of both independence and knowing when to ask for assistance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seeking help" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as the subject or part of the predicate in a sentence. It describes the action of attempting to obtain assistance. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts, from individuals to organizations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seeking help" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the act of looking for assistance. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, from news reports to academic research. While seemingly straightforward, understanding the nuances of the phrase—such as the potential barriers to "seeking help" and the importance of destigmatizing it—can enhance communication and encourage those in need to reach out. Alternatives like "seeking assistance" or "requesting support" offer slight variations in formality and emphasis. Ultimately, "seeking help" is a powerful expression of vulnerability and a proactive step towards resolving challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeking assistance

Replaces 'help' with the more formal 'assistance'.

requesting help

Focuses on the act of making a request for help.

seeking support

Broadens the scope from direct help to encompass emotional or practical support.

enlisting help

Suggests a more active effort to involve others in providing help.

soliciting help

Implies asking for help, sometimes from multiple sources.

getting help

A simpler and more informal way of expressing the act of receiving help.

pursuing help

Emphasizes the ongoing effort to obtain help.

finding help

Focuses on the process of locating and accessing help.

acquiring help

Highlights the result of successfully obtaining help.

obtaining help

Similar to acquiring help, focusing on the act of getting help.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "seeking help"?

You can use alternatives like "seeking assistance", "requesting help", or "seeking support" depending on the context.

Is "seeking help" a sign of weakness?

No, "seeking help" is not a sign of weakness. It demonstrates self-awareness and the courage to address challenges by utilizing available resources.

How can I encourage someone to consider "seeking help"?

You can encourage someone by normalizing the process, emphasizing the benefits of professional support, and assuring them of your unwavering support without judgment. It's crucial to also remind them that "seeking help" is a strength, not a weakness.

What are the first steps in "seeking help" for a mental health issue?

The first steps typically involve acknowledging the problem, researching available resources, and contacting a mental health professional or support organization. Talking to a trusted friend or family member can also be a helpful initial step before "seeking professional help".