I seek to understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I seek to understand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a desire to gain knowledge or insight about a particular topic or situation. Example: "In discussions about complex issues, I often find myself saying, 'I seek to understand the different perspectives before forming my own opinion.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

I seek to understand things I don't understand".

The New York Times

But, like all good liberals, I seek to understand and not to decry.

The Guardian

I seek to understand why these and other darker aspects of group dynamics arise and how they can be circumvented.

Stanford University

In this Article, I seek to understand the apparent contradiction between subsidiarity's high claims and its relatively low esteem.

Columbia University

Spanning contexts of Medieval England, Historic Northeast US, and Iceland, I seek to understand the roots of the modern world by way of its material residues.

Harvard University

And I seek to understand this behavior in the context of the larger political, economic, and social system in which they are embedded.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

I sought to understand if all these actors really have something in common.

Princeton University

When I sought to understand the meanings people lend to their conditions and experiences in the city, my photographs furnished themselves as evidence, like novels and poems do.

University of California, Berkeley

I began a yearslong process of reading, travel and interviews with multiple participants as I sought to understand the full history of the secret channel — what came to be known as the Oslo Channel — through which the accords were birthed.

The New York Times

Could this be construed as providing a complete, fair and impartial picture of negotiations?" As I sought to understand why the piece was so one-sided, I learned that the problem traced back to Mr. Arango's decision to travel unidentified with the ambassador.

The New York Times

As a child growing up in northeastern Pennsylvania, I sought to understand the world around me.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "I seek to understand" to convey a genuine desire for comprehension, especially in situations where empathy and open-mindedness are important.

Common error

Avoid overusing "I seek to understand" in very informal contexts, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. In casual conversations, simpler phrases like "I'm trying to understand" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I seek to understand" functions as an expression of intent, conveying a proactive and deliberate desire for comprehension. According to Ludwig AI, it signals a commitment to gaining knowledge or insight, often in complex or challenging situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

45%

News & Media

40%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I seek to understand" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a genuine desire for comprehension. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in academic and news-related discussions, signalling open-mindedness and a willingness to learn. While versatile, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations, where simpler alternatives may be preferable. When using this phrase, remember to focus on conveying sincerity and a commitment to gaining true insight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am trying to understand

Focuses on the ongoing effort to gain understanding.

I am endeavoring to comprehend

More formal and emphasizes a determined effort to understand.

My aim is to grasp

Highlights the goal of achieving understanding.

I am striving to fathom

Suggests a deeper level of understanding is being sought.

I want to figure out

More informal, indicating a desire to solve or understand something.

I'm working to decipher

Implies a process of decoding or interpreting something complex.

I'm seeking clarity on

Emphasizes the need for a clear understanding of a specific issue.

I'm trying to get to the bottom of

Suggests uncovering the fundamental truth or cause of something.

I'm exploring to understand

Highlights the act of investigation to gain understanding.

I am pursuing understanding

Focuses on the active pursuit of knowledge and comprehension.

FAQs

How can I use "I seek to understand" in a sentence?

You can use "I seek to understand" to express a desire to comprehend a situation, a person's perspective, or a complex issue. For example, "In this debate, "I seek to understand" both sides of the argument before forming an opinion."

What are some alternatives to "I seek to understand"?

Alternatives include "I'm trying to understand", "I want to figure out", or "I'm endeavoring to comprehend", depending on the level of formality and the specific context. You can use these alternatives in different situation.

Is it correct to say "I am seeking to understand" instead of "I seek to understand"?

Both "I am seeking to understand" and "I seek to understand" are grammatically correct. The former emphasizes the ongoing nature of the effort, while the latter is a more direct statement of intent. Both "I am seeking to understand" and "I seek to understand" can be used.

What's the difference between "I seek to understand" and "I'm trying to understand"?

"I seek to understand" implies a more deliberate and philosophical approach to understanding, while "I'm trying to understand" is a more general and immediate expression of effort. Choose "I seek to understand" when you are looking for depth in the answer and "I'm trying to understand" in everyday situations.