do not seek

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not seek" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to advise someone against searching for something, often implying that it may not be beneficial or necessary. Example: "In this situation, it is best to do not seek answers that may lead to more confusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We do not seek to isolate ourselves.

The New York Times

"I do not seek publicity".

The Guardian

Do not seek revenge for yourself.

The Guardian

We do not seek nuclear weapons.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I do not seek positions or headlines.

The New York Times

Strain's family do not seek to blame.

The Guardian

They do not seek to make a profit, even hypothetically.

The Economist

Menus do not seek to educate the public.

The New York Times

They are publicly financed and do not seek profits.

The Economist

Most people do not seek therapy to retrieve memories.

The New York Times

"We do not seek to make Russia an enemy.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "do not seek", consider the context to ensure it aligns with your intended meaning. It often implies a conscious decision to avoid something, suggesting either a lack of desire or a deliberate effort to evade.

Common error

Avoid using "do not seek" when you simply mean something is not needed or present. The phrase carries a stronger connotation of active avoidance, rather than mere absence. If you mean to say something is simply not required, phrases such as "is not necessary" or "is unneeded" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not seek" functions primarily as an imperative, used to advise or instruct someone against actively pursuing or searching for something. It suggests a deliberate choice to avoid a particular course of action. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a functional and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "do not seek" is a commonly used phrase that functions as an imperative, advising against actively searching or pursuing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both grammatically correct and widely used across various sources, including news media and scientific publications. Its primary purpose is to discourage a particular action, implying it is unnecessary, unwise, or potentially harmful. While generally neutral in register, it is more common in news and general writing. When using the phrase, consider the context and intent, and be aware of its implication of active avoidance. Alternatives such as "avoid pursuing" or "refrain from seeking" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not look for

A simple and direct way of expressing the avoidance of seeking.

refrain from seeking

Emphasizes self-restraint in not looking for something.

avoid pursuing

Focuses on the act of avoiding an active pursuit.

not attempt to find

Highlights a lack of effort to discover something.

don't try to obtain

Focuses on the avoidance of acquiring or getting something.

desist from searching

Formal and emphasizes ceasing the action of searching.

forego searching for

Indicates a decision to give up the search before it begins.

steer clear of seeking

Suggests actively avoiding the process of seeking.

evade the search for

Implies a deliberate effort to dodge the act of searching.

eschew the quest for

A more formal way to say avoid the search for something.

FAQs

How can I use "do not seek" in a sentence?

The phrase "do not seek" is used to advise against actively searching or pursuing something. For example, "Do not seek revenge, as it will only lead to further conflict."

What are some alternatives to "do not seek"?

You can use alternatives such as "avoid pursuing", "refrain from seeking", or "not look for" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "do not seek"?

"Do not seek" is appropriate when you want to discourage someone from actively looking for something, often implying that the search is unnecessary, unwise, or potentially harmful.

What is the difference between "do not seek" and "does not seek"?

"Do not seek" is generally used as an imperative, giving a command or instruction. "Does not seek" is used to describe a third person's habitual action or characteristic, indicating they generally avoid seeking something.