solicit support

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "solicit support" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to ask for help or encouragement from someone or a group of people. For example, "The organization is soliciting support from local businesses to fund its new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

With Twitter, Facebook and Web sites, companies can solicit support easily.

The New York Times

The school soon had more applicants than space, and Berry began to solicit support elsewhere.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson Jr. continues to solicit support from foreign governments.

The New York Times

Kaasjager has drafted messages for embassies in capitals receiving Dutch development assistance to solicit support.

The Guardian

A Russian-born chemist, he began to solicit support among the British soon after he settled in Manchester in 1904.

The New York Times - Books

The new law forbids the public from using e-mail or tweets to solicit support for politicians.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

He has solicited support across ethnic groups, stressing this fact.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Kamphuis responded by soliciting support for a hackers' campaign to snarl Spamhaus's Internet operations.

The New York Times

The two had solicited support for an opposition political party as well.

The New York Times

B) Sending emails to your colleagues soliciting support for a controversial cause.

The New York Times

Although Mr. Mutlaq openly solicits support from Mr. Hussein's admirers, he was permitted to run for Parliament in 2005.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "solicit support", be clear about what kind of support you are seeking (financial, political, emotional, etc.) to ensure your request is well-understood.

Common error

While "solicit support" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal documents. Opt for synonyms like "request assistance" or "seek endorsement" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "solicit support" is that of a verb phrase. It describes the action of actively seeking assistance, approval, or encouragement from others. Ludwig AI confirms this, with examples showing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "solicit support" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to express the act of seeking assistance or endorsement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts. Its neutral to professional register makes it versatile, though alternatives may be preferable in highly formal situations. When using "solicit support", clarity in the type of support needed is key. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, it serves the communicative purpose of persuasion and resource gathering. Some effective alternatives are request assistance, seek endorsement, and ask for backing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seek assistance

Uses a more general term, assistance, instead of the more specific support.

request endorsement

Focuses specifically on seeking formal approval or backing.

ask for backing

A more informal way of saying request endorsement or support.

appeal for aid

Emphasizes the need for help, particularly in a difficult situation.

canvass for contributions

Suggests a systematic effort to gather support, often financial.

garner approval

Implies collecting support from multiple sources over time.

enlist cooperation

Focuses on obtaining collaborative help rather than general support.

court favor

Suggests actively trying to gain someone's approval or support, often through flattery.

drum up encouragement

Means to create or increase enthusiasm and support for something.

fish for sympathy

Implies seeking support by evoking feelings of pity or concern.

FAQs

What does "solicit support" mean?

"Solicit support" means to ask for or try to obtain help, encouragement, or approval from others. It often involves making a direct request.

How can I use "solicit support" in a sentence?

You can use "solicit support" to describe actions like "The campaign is trying to "garner support" from local businesses" or "The author is "seeking backing" for their new book."

What are some alternatives to "solicit support"?

Alternatives include phrases like "request assistance", "seek endorsement", "ask for backing", or "appeal for aid", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "solicit support" or "ask for support"?

"Solicit support" is more formal and implies a deliberate effort to obtain assistance. "Ask for support" is more general and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.