ardently sought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ardently sought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is passionately or eagerly desired or pursued. Example: "The treasure was ardently sought by adventurers from all over the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Fashion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Special in-school suspension centers for disruptive students, a change ardently sought by the teachers' union, also will be delayed.

The New York Times

Yet her fan base remains loyal, and that is partly why Sui's career seems to represent the kind ardently sought by design school students and "Project Runway" aspirants.

The New York Times

Yet steel's savior was not the government bailouts it ardently sought but exactly what it so long tried to avoid: bankruptcy.

The New York Times

That provision had been ardently sought by lawmakers from Texas and other states that felt disadvantaged because they do not impose state income taxes.

The New York Times

So contrary to expectations, one effect of a stronger grid, although ardently sought by supporters of renewable energy, could be to push costs down but nudge coal-fired emissions up.

The New York Times - Science

The provision has been ardently sought by tobacco farmers in 10 states, and Republicans are hoping it will bring at least 10 Democrats in support of the overall bill.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

She will pay full price only for items so ardently sought-after that they are likely to vanish the moment they arrive in stores.

The New York Times

One question still hanging in the air, unanswered: Why do so many Republican presidential candidates ardently seek the imprimatur of Mr. Trump?

The New York Times

Contrary to the cliché that comedians are stingy about giving out what they most ardently seek, Larry David is a surprisingly easy laugh.

The New Yorker

(Not that he is one-track-minded. The ballet he most ardently seeks to add to his repertory is Kenneth MacMillan's "Manon," an excellent choice for his company of strong dance actors).

The New York Times - Arts

While it may be true, as Tolstoy famously wrote, that every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way, the unhappiness of the Naumanns in Myla Goldberg's unusual first novel, "Bee Season," seems so particularly original and intriguing that you almost want the author to go on denying the family members the fulfillment they so ardently seek.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ardently sought" when you want to emphasize not only the desire for something but also the intense effort put into obtaining it.

Common error

Avoid using "ardently sought" in casual or informal writing. Its formal tone might sound unnatural or overly dramatic in everyday conversations or informal correspondence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ardently sought" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe something that is desired or pursued with great passion and intensity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and effective expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Books

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ardently sought" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It effectively conveys a sense of strong desire and intense pursuit. While not very common, it's best suited for formal writing contexts like news articles, encyclopedias, and books. Be mindful of its formal register to avoid sounding unnatural in casual settings. Alternatives such as "eagerly pursued" or "fervently desired" can be used to achieve similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Remembering these points will help you use "ardently sought" effectively and appropriately in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eagerly pursued

Focuses on the enthusiasm and eagerness in the pursuit, rather than the intensity of the desire.

fervently desired

Emphasizes the passionate and intense nature of the desire.

passionately pursued

Highlights the emotional intensity driving the pursuit.

zealously sought

Indicates a highly enthusiastic and dedicated search.

intensely desired

Focuses on the strength and depth of the desire.

earnestly pursued

Implies a sincere and serious effort in the pursuit.

avidly chased

Suggests an enthusiastic and determined pursuit, often implying a competitive element.

keenly sought after

Highlights the attractiveness and desirability of the object being sought.

vigorously pursued

Emphasizes the energetic and forceful nature of the pursuit.

wholeheartedly desired

Indicates a complete and sincere desire, lacking any reservation.

FAQs

How can I use "ardently sought" in a sentence?

You can use "ardently sought" to describe something that is passionately or eagerly desired and pursued. For example, "The treasure was "ardently sought" by adventurers."

What phrases are similar to "ardently sought"?

Alternatives include "eagerly pursued", "fervently desired", or "passionately pursued", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "ardently sought" formal or informal?

"Ardently sought" carries a formal tone and is best suited for academic, professional, or journalistic writing. It might sound out of place in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "ardently sought" and "earnestly sought"?

"Ardently sought" emphasizes the intensity of the desire, while "earnestly sought" /s/earnestly+sought highlights the sincerity and seriousness of the effort.