be seeking something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be seeking something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a desire or intention to find or obtain something. Example: "In this competitive market, many companies seem to be seeking something that sets them apart from their competitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

People who become hospital emergency doctors may be seeking something, or running away from something, but they're clearly not indifferent towards death, or trauma, or saving lives.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

While the United States may be willing to sign a peace agreement that says it will not harm the Kim regime and will normalize relations in exchange for North Korea's denuclearization, Pyongyang may be seeking something altogether different.

The Washington Post

Mr. Montezemolo also seems to be seeking something of a modernizing revolution among Italian businesses, creating more medium-size and large companies and weaning small businesses away from family roots.

The New York Times

However Denmark still has much to offer foreign business people, not least those with a family, who may be seeking something than a Rolls-Royce or a yacht in Monaco.

The Guardian - Opinion

While the Note Edge seemed more like an experiment, reserved for users who might be seeking something especially untested and novel, the S6 edge's sloped sides feel instead like a mostly aesthetic design decision.

TechCrunch

Or would you be seeking something more qualitative in your life?

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

She is seeking something reliable and easy to use.

The New York Times

Both writers are seeking something distinctive about their chosen places.

The Economist

"Brokers are going nuts because their clients are seeking something really special".

The New York Times

It's what all Bruce Springsteen's characters do when they're seeking something.

The New York Times

The couple were seeking something larger than their modest one-bedroom rental in Kips Bay, for which they paid $2,065 a month.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be seeking something", ensure the context clearly defines what is being sought. This improves clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid vague usage. Always specify what the subject is "seeking". For instance, instead of "they are seeking something", specify "they are seeking a solution" or "they are seeking a better understanding".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be seeking something" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action of searching or pursuing an unspecified object or outcome. It expresses a desire or intent to find or achieve something. Ludwig confirms this is grammatically correct and usable in writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be seeking something" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as verified by Ludwig. It conveys an active pursuit or desire for an unspecified object or outcome. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its neutral register allows for versatile application. For effective writing, ensure the object of "seeking" is clear and specific. While alternatives like "be looking for something" exist, "be seeking something" distinctly implies a purposeful and often challenging endeavor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be looking for something

Focuses on the action of looking with the intent to find.

be in search of something

Emphasizes the act of searching, often implying a more deliberate or formal search.

be trying to find something

Highlights the effort and attempt to locate something.

be aiming to acquire something

Stresses the intention to obtain or gain possession of something.

be pursuing something

Suggests a dedicated and active effort to achieve or obtain something.

be after something

An informal way of saying someone wants or desires something.

be on the hunt for something

Emphasizes the active and determined search for something, often implying a challenge.

be endeavoring to obtain something

Highlights a formal attempt to get something.

be working towards something

Implies effort and action directed toward achieving a particular goal or result.

be aspiring to gain something

Focuses on the hope and ambition to achieve or obtain something, implying a desired outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "be seeking something" in a sentence?

You can use "be seeking something" to indicate a desire or intention to find or obtain something. For example, "The company may "be seeking something" entirely different than what is offered".

What are some alternatives to "be seeking something"?

You can use alternatives like "be looking for something", "be in search of something", or "be trying to find something" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "be seeking for something"?

No, the correct phrase is "be seeking something". The preposition "for" is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "be seeking something" and "be wanting something"?

"Be seeking something" implies an active effort or process to obtain or find something, while "be wanting something" simply expresses a desire without necessarily implying action.