been seeking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been seeking" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a continuous or ongoing search for something over a period of time. Example: "I have been seeking new opportunities in my career for several months now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He has been seeking work for years.

The New York Times

Lawyers had been seeking $3bn in damages.

The Guardian - Tech

Others have been seeking their own solutions.

The New York Times

Republicans have been seeking the sale.

The New York Times

I should have been seeking promotion opportunities.

The Guardian

Metallurgists had been seeking this for years.

The New Yorker

But it is the diamond you have been seeking nonetheless.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The S.E.C. says it has been seeking more such freezes.

The New York Times

These days, Obama has been seeking guidance in presidential biographies.

The New York Times - Magazine

She must have been seeking the same thing he was.

The New Yorker

Investors in droves have been seeking safety from sinking stocks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "been seeking" to describe a continuous effort to find something, whether it's a tangible object, a solution to a problem, or an abstract concept. This implies a prolonged and active search.

Common error

Avoid using "been seeking" when describing a single, isolated instance of searching. This phrase implies a continuous process over a period of time, not a one-time event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been seeking" functions as a present perfect continuous verb phrase, indicating an action that started in the past and is still ongoing or has recently concluded. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "been seeking" is a present perfect continuous verb phrase used to describe an ongoing or recently completed search or pursuit. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media contexts. While appropriate for both formal and informal situations, it's crucial to use it when emphasizing the duration of an effort. Alternatives such as "have been searching for" or "have been looking for" offer similar meanings with subtle differences. This guide provides insights into its usage, common errors, and related phrases to enhance writing precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been searching for

Focuses more on the act of searching, less on the intention behind it.

have been looking for

A more general term for trying to find something, can be more passive.

have been pursuing

Implies a more determined and active effort to achieve something.

have been trying to find

Emphasizes the attempt to locate something, possibly with difficulty.

have been aiming for

Specifically targets a goal or objective, rather than a general search.

have been striving for

Highlights the effort and dedication involved in achieving a goal.

have been working towards

Focuses on the process of making progress towards a specific outcome.

have been endeavoring to

A more formal and literary way of saying 'trying hard to'.

have been on the lookout for

Emphasizes vigilance and anticipation in finding something.

have set out to find

Highlights the initiation of a journey or task to discover or obtain something.

FAQs

How is "been seeking" different from "seeking"?

"Seeking" describes a general action of looking for something, while "been seeking" indicates a continuous or ongoing effort over a period of time.

What are some alternatives to "been seeking"?

You can use alternatives like "have been searching for", "have been looking for", or "have been pursuing", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "been seeking" in a sentence?

Use "been seeking" when you want to emphasize that an action of searching or pursuing has been ongoing for a certain duration. For instance, "The company has been seeking a buyer for the business" shows they have been actively searching for a buyer.

Is "been seeking" formal or informal?

"Been seeking" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure rather than the phrase itself.