solicit

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'solicit' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb that means to ask someone for something in an earnest or urgent manner. For example: The homeless man solicited for donations from passersby.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

First West would solicit music from, it seems, all the world's upcoming producers.

The Guardian - Music

The Federal Election Campaign Act only allows organizations like the NRA to solicit for Pacs from their employees and members, but the website of the NRA's Pac did not require donors to log in as NRA members.

The Guardian

I like to solicit advice from other editors: Vanity Fair's Graydon Carter said, "Tell stories".

The Guardian

Federal law states that an organization such as the NRA cannot solicit money for itself and then deliver that money to its Pac – an action that obscures the beneficiary of a donation from the donor.

The Guardian

As her profile grew, and she kept talking, the DNC kept putting up videos about her and using Democrats' appalled reactions to solicit donations.

The Guardian - Opinion

Labour, however, condemned the Lib Dem fundraising drive and insisted it did not solicit campaign donations from foreign nationals.

The Guardian

I had imagined a stream of canvassers coming to my front door, hat in hand, to solicit my vote.

The Guardian

Obliging companies to solicit bids at regular intervals, as Britain does, has shaken up the business: HSBC said in August that it will drop KPMG in favour of PwC; on December 2nd Unilever announced that it is making the opposite switch.

The Economist

Praise for the powerful comes cheap; if we are to know her colleagues' honest assessments of Ms Sotomayor, anonymity seems a necessary evil.What's disappointing in the instance is not the reliance on anonymity to solicit  candid opinions, but that the candid opinions themselves seem unnecessary.

The Economist

So exacting are the demands of Korean customers that Western firms often solicit their opinions of new products before launching them.

The Economist

The museum is now in a second round of fund-raising, and recently started to solicit sponsorship of the 3,312 glass panels in the Great Court via the Internet.Such marketing methods are spreading.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "solicit", be mindful of the context and ensure your request is clear and appropriate. Avoid ambiguity in your message to prevent misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using "solicit" in very casual or informal settings where a simpler term like "ask for" would be more appropriate. "Solicit" often carries a sense of formality or purpose.

Linguistic Context

The verb "solicit" functions as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. According to Ludwig AI, it describes the act of asking someone for something, such as money, support, or information, often in a persistent or persuasive manner. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts, from seeking donations to requesting bids.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "solicit" is a versatile verb used to describe the act of earnestly requesting or seeking something. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and common in professional and news contexts. While it can be used in various settings, it carries a degree of formality, so consider your audience when choosing this word. Related phrases like "request", "seek", and "ask for" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas with slightly different nuances. When writing, make sure your request is clear and appropriate and be aware of the formality of the register you are using.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request

A general term for asking for something; less formal than "solicit" in some contexts.

seek

Implies a more active search or pursuit of something, similar to "solicit" but broader.

ask for

A direct and simple way of requesting something, less formal and intense than "solicit".

appeal for

Suggests a more emotional or urgent request, often used in fundraising or humanitarian contexts.

invite

Can imply requesting participation or involvement, a specific type of solicitation.

entreat

A highly formal and earnest request, conveying a strong sense of urgency or importance.

canvass

To solicit votes, subscriptions, etc. by going from house to house.

beg for

Implies a desperate request, often involving humility or supplication.

petition

A formal written request, often addressed to an authority or organization.

implore

To beg someone earnestly or desperately to do something.

FAQs

How to use "solicit" in a sentence?

You can use "solicit" to describe the act of asking for something, such as "The charity "solicited" donations from the public" or "The company "solicited" bids from various suppliers".

What can I say instead of "solicit"?

You can use alternatives like "request", "seek", or "ask for" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Which is correct, "solicit donations" or "ask for donations"?

"Solicit donations" is more formal and often used in official or business contexts. "Ask for donations" is more general and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

What's the difference between "solicit" and "canvass"?

"Solicit" is a general term for requesting something. "Canvass" specifically refers to soliciting votes or opinions, often by going door-to-door or engaging in direct outreach.