are they seeking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are they seeking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inquiring about someone's intentions or desires, typically in a question format. Example: "In the meeting, I wondered if they are seeking new opportunities for collaboration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

What are they seeking?

The New York Times

How are they seeking to unite understanding of the "internal"and "external" world?

The New York Times

All of the top ten American firms have been involved in at least one large merger or acquisition over the past 25 years.So are businesses like boats or buildings: are they seeking out economies of scale, or are they too big to be efficient?

The Economist

The rebels have not asked nor are they seeking American soldiers to fight for them.

Huffington Post

If highly-skilled migrant workers are no longer flocking to the U.S., then where are they seeking employment?

Huffington Post

When women leave the house in the morning, are they seeking to attract more attention for their appearance than men are for theirs?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

And what were they seeking?

The Guardian - Books

Nor were they seeking asylum in Australia.

The Guardian - Opinion

Were they seeking something more like "Precious?" No.

The New York Times

Or were they seeking some sort of personal escape and oblivion?

The New York Times - Books

Were they seeking support and greater information?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are they seeking", ensure the pronoun "they" clearly refers to a specific group or entity previously mentioned in the context. This avoids ambiguity and maintains clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "are they seeking" when the identity of "they" is unclear or ambiguous in the surrounding text. Always ensure the reference is evident to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are they seeking" functions as an interrogative clause, used to inquire about the intentions, goals, or objectives of a group or entity. Ludwig examples show its usage across various source types.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are they seeking" is a grammatically sound and versatile interrogative used to inquire about the goals or intentions of a group. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is frequently encountered in news, media, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the pronoun "they" has a clear reference to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "what are they looking for" or "what are their intentions" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what are they looking for

Focuses more directly on the object of their search, often implying a tangible item or specific goal.

what do they want

Simplifies the query to basic desires or needs, potentially applicable in a broader range of situations.

what are their intentions

Shifts the focus to purpose and motivation rather than the specific object of the search.

what is their aim

Emphasizes the goal or objective that "they" are trying to achieve.

what are they pursuing

Highlights the active effort being made to obtain something.

what do they desire

Uses a more formal tone to ask about their wants or wishes.

what is it that they need

Focuses on necessity, implying that "they" have an essential requirement.

what are they after

An informal way of asking what someone is trying to get or achieve.

what is their objective

Focuses on the specific, measurable outcome that they are working towards.

what is their quest

Suggests a longer, more challenging search or mission.

FAQs

How can I use "are they seeking" in a sentence?

Use "are they seeking" to inquire about the goals or intentions of a group. For example, "Are they seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict?"

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

You can use alternatives like "what are they looking for", "what do they want", or "what are their intentions" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "are they seeking" in formal writing?

Yes, "are they seeking" is appropriate for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and widely understood. However, consider whether a more precise term like "what is their objective" might be more suitable.

What is the difference between "are they seeking" and "are they searching for"?

"Are they seeking" implies a more deliberate and purposeful pursuit, while "are they searching for" suggests a broader exploration. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.