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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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are seeking to

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are seeking to" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is actively trying or attempting to do something. Here is an example: "We are seeking to expand our company's reach in international markets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

are seeking to promote growth.

News & Media

The New York Times

"Marketers are seeking to tap into that".

News & Media

The New York Times

Several venture firms are seeking to adapt.

"We are seeking to restructure them".

News & Media

The New York Times

Some are seeking to regain the initiative.

News & Media

The Guardian

Therefore, oil companies are seeking to improve production processes.

Both automakers are seeking to reduce retiree-related costs.

News & Media

The New York Times

Railroads are seeking to dig trains out of drifts.

News & Media

The New York Times

Instead, they are seeking to develop their leadership skills.

News & Media

The Economist

They are seeking to confuse, we've seen it before".

News & Media

The New York Times

The House and Senate are seeking to negotiate a compromise.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are seeking to" when you want to convey a deliberate and intentional effort towards a specific goal. It's suitable for formal writing and professional communication.

Common error

Avoid using "are seeking to" in very informal contexts where simpler phrases like "are trying to" or "are looking to" would be more appropriate. Overly formal language can sound unnatural or pretentious.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are seeking to" functions as a verbal phrase indicating intention or purpose. It describes an active effort or attempt to achieve a specific goal. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in diverse contexts, reinforcing its role in expressing purposeful action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are seeking to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey intent and active pursuit of a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread application across various contexts. While adaptable, it leans toward a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for professional, academic, and news-related content. When choosing to use "are seeking to", remember its formal nature and choose it when you need to clearly communicate that someone is not merely considering something, but actively working towards it. Alternatives like "are trying to" or "are looking to" may be better suited for informal contexts.

FAQs

How to use "are seeking to" in a sentence?

The phrase "are seeking to" is used to indicate an active attempt or effort to achieve something. For example, "Researchers "are seeking to" understand the causes of the disease".

What can I say instead of "are seeking to"?

You can use alternatives like "are trying to", "are aiming to", or "are attempting to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are seeking to" or "is seeking to"?

"Are seeking to" is used with plural subjects, while "is seeking to" is used with singular subjects. For example, "They "are seeking to" improve their skills" versus "He "is seeking to" find a new job".

What's the difference between "are seeking to" and "are looking to"?

"Are seeking to" is generally more formal and suggests a more determined effort, while "are looking to" is more informal and implies exploring possibilities. The best alternative depends on the context.

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Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: