to solicit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to solicit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting or seeking something, such as information, support, or business. Example: "The organization aims to solicit donations to support local charities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

to solicit votes?

The New York Times

"Dealers are not to solicit pedal replacement".

The New York Times

WE love to solicit advice.

The New York Times

*Instructions on how to solicit contributions.

The New York Times

I want to solicit anyone that prays".

The New York Times - Tech

"I'm not going to solicit Lennox Lewis.

The New York Times - Sports

Not to solicit Lee's help — what could this phantom do?

The New Yorker

It is even against the law to solicit such contributions.

The New York Times

Was I wrong to solicit money this way?

The New York Times - Magazine

HCA has 50 days to solicit higher offers.

The Economist

He doesn't come here to solicit minority votes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to solicit", clearly state what you are seeking to obtain. For example, "to solicit feedback" or "to solicit donations".

Common error

While "to solicit" is a valid term, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Use more approachable alternatives like "to ask for" or "to get" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to solicit" functions as an infinitive verb, indicating an action of requesting or seeking something, typically from someone else. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts like "to solicit votes" or "to solicit contributions".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to solicit" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase that conveys the act of requesting or seeking something. As Ludwig AI demonstrates, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While considered correct, it's important to be mindful of the formality it carries. In casual conversations, alternatives like "to ask for" might be more appropriate. Remember to clearly state what you aim to obtain when using "to solicit" for optimal clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to request

Focuses on a formal or polite way of asking for something.

to seek

Emphasizes the act of searching or trying to obtain something.

to ask for

A simple and direct way of requesting something.

to invite

Implies a more open and welcoming approach to receiving something.

to appeal for

Suggests a more urgent or emotional request.

to seek out

Emphasizes the effort involved in finding and requesting something.

to canvass

Implies a systematic and thorough effort to obtain something from many people.

to petition

Suggests a formal written request.

to implore

Highlights a desperate or earnest plea.

to entreat

Implies a humble and persuasive request.

FAQs

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

You can use "to solicit" to indicate requesting or seeking something from someone. For instance, "The company decided to solicit feedback from its customers" or "The charity is trying to solicit donations for their new project".

What are some alternatives to "to solicit"?

Some alternatives to "to solicit" include "to request", "to seek", or "to ask for", depending on the context.

Is "to solicit" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "to solicit" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you want to convey a sense of actively seeking or requesting something. It's commonly used in business, academic, and legal contexts.

What is the difference between "to solicit" and "to ask"?

"To ask" is a general term for making a request. "To solicit" implies a more directed and often persistent effort to obtain something, such as support, information, or contributions. Therefore, the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.