are sought for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are sought for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is being requested or desired, often in a formal context. Example: "Candidates with strong analytical skills are sought for this position."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mitigation measures are sought for each of the reasonable alternatives.

Developments in Integrated Environmental Assessment

The causes and possible remedies of the problem are sought for in this work.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Progressive-wave solutions are sought for this problem, without tangent plane simplifications.

Journal of Computational Physics

The bones of highly endangered Amur tigers are sought for their aphrodisiac qualities.

The New York Times

Optimal ratios between the main system parameters are sought for an annual solar fraction of 70%.

Solar Energy

Paul Rose and Marc Carbon neau, 37, are sought for the kidnapping of Mr. Laporte and of James J. Cross.

The New York Times

Minority officers are sought for undercover jobs because they tend to have more credibility on the street.

The New York Times

New path-breaking technologies without this shortcoming are sought for the early detection and treatment of cancer.

Nanoarchitectonics for Smart Delivery and Drug Targeting

In particular, students with an interest in lithic analysis are sought for the sorting and identification of the stone tool assemblages from these sites.

University of California, Berkeley

Research Assistants are sought for work on the research projects, To apply, please complete this application form by January 14 , 2019at 5 00 PM EST.

Columbia University

Our caste prejudices manifest themselves most clearly in the matrimonial newspaper columns, where prospective brides and grooms of all religions are sought for traditional marriage alliances.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are sought for" in formal writing or when emphasizing that a deliberate search or request is being made. For example, "Qualified candidates are sought for the research position."

Common error

Avoid using "are sought for" in casual conversations or informal writing. Alternatives like "are looking for" or "are needed" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are sought for" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is the recipient of an action—being searched or requested—rather than the performer. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is commonly used in more formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

37%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are sought for" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to convey that something is being actively searched or requested. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is more common in formal contexts, especially within scientific, academic, and news-related domains. While alternatives like "are requested" or "are needed" exist, "are sought for" adds a layer of formality and emphasis on the active search process. Remember to reserve this phrase for situations where its formal tone is appropriate, avoiding overuse in casual or informal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are desired

Focuses on the aspect of wanting or wishing for something, removing the explicit act of searching.

are requested

Emphasizes the act of asking or formally requiring something, implying a more official context.

are in demand

Highlights the high level of need or popularity for something, suggesting it is wanted by many.

are looked for

A more informal alternative that emphasizes the act of searching or trying to find something.

are pursued

Suggests a more active and determined effort to obtain something.

are hunted

Implies an intense and often competitive search, often for something rare or difficult to find.

are required

Focuses on necessity and obligation, indicating something is needed or essential.

are yearned for

Implies a strong emotional longing or desire for something.

are strived for

Emphasizes the effort and dedication put into achieving or obtaining something.

are angled for

Suggests indirect or strategic efforts to obtain something, often implying manipulation or cunning.

FAQs

How to use "are sought for" in a sentence?

Use "are sought for" to indicate that something is being actively searched or requested, especially in formal or official contexts. For example, "Innovative solutions "are sought for" the environmental crisis".

What can I say instead of "are sought for"?

You can use alternatives like "are requested", "are desired", or "are needed" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "are sought for" or "is sought for"?

"Are sought for" is used with plural nouns, while "is sought for" is used with singular nouns. For example, "Qualified candidates are sought for the position" versus "A qualified candidate is sought for the position".

What's the difference between "are sought for" and "are looking for"?

"Are sought for" is more formal and suggests a deliberate effort to find something. "Are looking for" is more informal and general. For instance, "Expert opinions "are sought for" this project" is more formal than "We are looking for expert opinions for this project".