has sought to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has sought to" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone's actions or attempts to achieve something in the past. Example: The company has sought to increase its profits by implementing new marketing strategies.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Compaq too has sought to emphasize services.

The New York Times

He has sought to ban Muslims.

The New York Times

Very little research has sought to do this.

Ecological Economics

Goldman itself has sought to play down the practice.

The New York Times

He has sought to keep the film rolling.

Independent

In recent years, Russia has sought to expand C.S.T.O.

The New York Times

Kyrgyzstan has sought to balance western and Russian interests.

The Guardian

OSI has sought to expand Tarceva's use in cancer treatment.

The New York Times

In recent years, Mo has sought to dodge political controversy.

The New York Times

Qatar has sought to diversify its economy through industrialization.

Encyclopedia Britannica

No general has sought to curry public favor since.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has sought to" when you want to convey a formal and intentional effort to achieve a specific goal. It suggests a deliberate and purposeful action.

Common error

Avoid using "has sought to" in casual or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "tried to" or "wanted to" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "has sought to" is to form part of a verb phrase indicating a past action with a continuing relevance or consequence. It is used to describe actions undertaken with a specific goal in mind. Ludwig AI confirms this with many real-world examples of its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Has sought to" is a versatile phrase used to indicate an intentional attempt to achieve something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it is grammatically correct and frequently encountered across various formal contexts. While highly useful in professional, academic, and journalistic writing, remember that it's less appropriate for informal communication where simpler alternatives like "tried to" might be preferable. By understanding its grammatical function and register, you can effectively use "has sought to" to add precision and formality to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has tried to

A more general term for attempting something.

has aimed to

Indicates a specific target or objective.

has striven to

Highlights a determined and sustained effort.

has strived to

Similar to 'has striven to', emphasizing effort and determination.

has endeavored to

A more formal and emphatic version of trying.

has worked to

Highlights the active process of trying to achieve something.

has wanted to

Emphasizes desire or intention, rather than a concrete attempt.

has undertaken to

Highlights the commitment to a task or objective.

has aspired to

Focuses on ambition and a long-term goal.

has pursued

Implies a course of action taken to reach a goal.

FAQs

What does "has sought to" mean?

The phrase "has sought to" means someone has attempted or tried to achieve something, often implying a deliberate and purposeful effort.

How can I use "has sought to" in a sentence?

Use "has sought to" to describe an action someone took to achieve a specific aim, such as: "The company "has sought to expand" its market share."

What are some alternatives to "has sought to"?

You can use alternatives like "has tried to", "has aimed to", or "has attempted to" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "has sought to"?

It's appropriate in formal writing, reports, or when emphasizing the intentional and deliberate nature of the effort. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives may be preferable.