as we sought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as we sought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a process of searching or pursuing something, often in a reflective or narrative context. Example: "As we sought to understand the complexities of the universe, we discovered new theories that challenged our previous beliefs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some 30 years ago I had the privilege of working with him as we sought to advance the arts and arts education in our nation.

The New York Times

Down in the lobby bar, where French opera poured from the sound system, we nursed cups of coffee and nibbled on croissants as we sought to preserve our Left Bank fantasy a bit longer.

The New York Times - Travel

"You could put in place mandatory reporting of child abuse – as we sought to do through private member's bills in the Australian parliament – so there are steps that can be taken here".

The Guardian

The rest of the day was a bit of a blur as we sought to make up lost time through the Goulet forest and passed the tumbled remains of the deserted village of Serreméjan on a grassy lane.

The Guardian - Travel

I had come to characterize my deployment this way: it came at the tail end of a war that few regarded with interest anymore, a war that became more violent as we sought harder to stabilize it.

The New York Times

Bit by bit, perhaps because we had to explain to neighbors why EMS was arriving at our door with some regularity, or why we suddenly had to cancel plans, or as we sought solace in narrating our sad situation to trusted friends, we began to experience a recurring phenomenon.

The New York Times

There, our foundation was turned away by the representatives of His Holiness as we sought an audience.

Forbes

This task was not without its challenges as we sought systems with research-based data and material that also would appeal to post-secondary students.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

As we sought to understand how each measure of SES is independently associated with trauma morbidity and mortality, multiple levels of data (e.g., both neighborhood and individual level measures of income and poverty) were applied.

Injury Epidemiology

Consensus-building was the key focus in synthesis of the eight overarching elements, as we sought to create a framework that represented the major aspects of inclusive STEM high schools in general.

International Journal of STEM Education

Our participatory approach to the narrative inquiry would be described as moderate by Spradley (1980), as we sought insider status and participatory engagement, but also sought minor roles of participation in order to minimize our presence in the phenomena under investigation.

International Journal of STEM Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as we sought", ensure that the sentence clearly indicates what was being sought and the purpose behind the search. This provides clarity and context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "as we sought" when a more direct verb like "searched", "tried", or "attempted" would be clearer and more concise. "Sought" often implies a more intentional or purposeful search, so use it appropriately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as we sought" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a clause that provides context or background for a subsequent action. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in English, setting the scene for an activity that was being undertaken.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as we sought" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to introduce actions undertaken with a specific purpose or intention. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's commonly found in both scientific and news media contexts, indicating its wide applicability. Related phrases like "as we pursued" or "in our attempt to" offer similar meanings, providing alternative options for writers. When using "as we sought", it is crucial to ensure that the context clearly defines the objective being pursued. By using this phrase thoughtfully, writers can add depth and clarity to their narratives, effectively conveying the motivations behind specific actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as we pursued

Replaces "sought" with "pursued", emphasizing active chasing.

during our search for

Directly refers to the act of searching.

as we aimed to

Replaces "sought" with "aimed", highlighting intention.

in our attempt to

Replaces "as we" with "in our attempt", focusing on the act of trying.

in an effort to

Focuses on the exertion of effort toward a goal.

as we strived to

Replaces "sought" with "strived", indicating a strong effort.

while we were trying to

Emphasizes the simultaneous nature of the attempt.

while we worked to

Highlights the labor involved in the attempt.

when we endeavored to

Uses "endeavored" for a more formal tone.

in our quest for

Emphasizes the search or journey aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "as we sought" in a sentence?

Use "as we sought" to introduce an action or process undertaken to achieve a specific goal or find something. For example, "As we sought to improve our understanding, we conducted further research."

What are some alternatives to "as we sought"?

Alternatives include phrases like "as we pursued", "in our attempt to", or "while we tried to", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "as we sought" instead of "as we tried"?

"As we sought" implies a directed effort toward a specific objective, suggesting a more intentional search than "as we tried", which suggests a more general attempt.

Is "as we sought for" grammatically correct?

While not inherently incorrect, "as we sought" is generally preferred over "as we sought for", as the latter can sound redundant. "Sought" already implies a search or pursuit.