desperately seeking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desperately seeking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong desire or urgent need for something or someone. Example: "After months of searching for a job, I found myself desperately seeking new opportunities in my field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But male candidates desperately seeking undecided female voters will do desperate things.

The New York Times

All are desperately seeking a cure.

The Economist

Desperately seeking Shura, or something.

The Guardian - Music

Patients were desperately seeking Cipro".

The New York Times

Boundaries were shifting, refugees desperately seeking safety.

The New York Times - Books

I hated Madonna in Desperately Seeking Susan.

The Guardian - Film

Today, Falluja is a city desperately seeking normal.

The New York Times

HUNGARY'S ruling Socialists are desperately seeking a new prime minister.

The Economist

They were desperately seeking the opportunity to do so again.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Leaming's staging, desperately seeking laughs, is self-defeating.

The New York Times

Spieth thereby arrived in Georgia while desperately seeking inspiration.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "desperately seeking", ensure that the context clearly conveys the urgency or intensity of the need or desire. It's often more effective when followed by specific nouns or objectives to highlight the subject of the intense search.

Common error

Avoid using "desperately seeking" in situations where the need is not genuinely urgent or critical. Using it too casually can diminish its impact and appear melodramatic. Instead, opt for milder alternatives like "looking for" or "searching for" if the situation isn't dire.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "desperately seeking" is that of a verbal phrase, acting as a modifier to describe the action of searching with a sense of urgency and intensity. Examples in Ludwig show its usage across various domains, underlining its flexibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "desperately seeking" is a versatile verbal phrase used to emphasize the urgency and intensity of a search. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and very common across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, its emotional weight should be considered to avoid overuse in less serious situations. Alternative phrases like "frantically searching" or "urgently looking for" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. Ludwig AI confirms its wide acceptance and diverse application in contemporary English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frantically searching

Emphasizes the panicked or hurried nature of the search.

urgently looking for

Highlights the time-sensitive nature of the search.

intensely pursuing

Focuses on the determined and vigorous effort to obtain something.

eagerly desiring

Conveys a strong wish or longing.

earnestly requesting

Implies a sincere and serious appeal.

anxiously awaiting

Highlights the worried or nervous anticipation.

gravely needing

Emphasizes the seriousness and importance of the need.

keenly wanting

Expresses a strong and enthusiastic desire.

passionately craving

Conveys a deep and intense longing.

fervently desiring

Implies a zealous and enthusiastic wish.

FAQs

How to use "desperately seeking" in a sentence?

You can use "desperately seeking" to describe someone or something urgently looking for something else. For example, "The company is "desperately seeking" a new CEO" or "Refugees were "desperately seeking" safety".

What can I say instead of "desperately seeking"?

You can use alternatives like "frantically searching", "urgently looking for", or "intensely pursuing" depending on the context. These alternatives can help to convey the same sense of urgency or strong desire.

Is "desperately seeking" formal or informal?

The phrase "desperately seeking" is generally considered neutral but can lean towards informal depending on the context. In formal writing, consider using a more precise synonym that aligns with the tone and purpose of the writing.

What's the difference between "desperately seeking" and "simply searching"?

"Desperately seeking" implies a high degree of urgency, anxiety, or need in the search. "Simply searching", on the other hand, suggests a more casual and less urgent endeavor. The word "desperately" adds significant emotional weight to the phrase.