is not sought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not sought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not desired or pursued, often in a formal or literary context. Example: "In this situation, recognition is not sought, but rather the fulfillment of one's duties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Though abundant, it is not sought as food.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As the Chinese say, what is not sought in the right way is not found.

The New Yorker

His help is not solicited; his advice is not sought; his influence is nil.

The New Yorker

But unlike his brother Saif al-Islam, who was groomed to be Gaddafi's successor, Saadi is not sought by the International Criminal Court.

Independent

Measured on today's price scale, the Redon was ludicrously cheap, albeit predictably so — subtlety in composition and color balance is not sought after these days.

The New York Times - Arts

It has been shown to produce juries that are notably friendlier to prosecutors than jurors in murder cases where the death penalty is not sought.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

He is not seeking self-glory.

The New Yorker

Mr. Paterson is not seeking election.

The New York Times

He is not seeking re-election this year.

The New York Times

Ford is not seeking loans for now.

The New York Times

So Mr Gusmão is not seeking re-election.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not sought" to convey a sense of formality or detachment when describing something that is not actively pursued or desired. It is particularly effective in contexts where a more direct term might sound too harsh or informal.

Common error

Avoid using "is not sought" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for more natural alternatives like "isn't wanted" or "nobody's looking for it" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not sought" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject is not being actively pursued or desired. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English. Example: "Medical attention is not sought."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is not sought" is a grammatically sound phrase that conveys the absence of active pursuit or desire for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is perfectly usable in English writing. While versatile, it tends to appear more frequently in formal contexts such as news reports, scientific articles, and encyclopedic entries, suggesting a relatively formal register. When aiming for a more casual tone, alternatives like "is not desired" or "isn't wanted" may be more appropriate. Remember to select the phrase that aligns best with your desired level of formality and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not desired

Focuses on the lack of desire for something, rather than the active seeking.

is not pursued

Emphasizes the lack of active pursuit or attempt to obtain something.

is not requested

Highlights that something has not been formally asked for.

is not solicited

Indicates that something has not been asked for or invited, particularly advice or help.

is not in demand

Focuses on the lack of market or public interest in something.

is not looked for

Similar to "is not sought" but implies a less formal or deliberate search.

is not chased

Suggests a more active form of seeking that is absent.

is not courted

Implies a lack of active attempts to win favor or attract.

is not angled for

Describes a situation where one does not try to get or achieve something using indirect means.

is not fished for

Similar to "is not angled for" but even more figurative.

FAQs

How can I use "is not sought" in a sentence?

You can use "is not sought" to indicate that something is not desired or actively pursued. For example: "In this project, personal recognition "is not sought", but the team's collective success is."

What are some alternatives to "is not sought"?

Some alternatives include "is not desired", "is not pursued", or "is not requested", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "is not sought" and "is not requested"?

"Is not sought" implies a lack of active pursuit, while "is not requested" suggests that a formal request has not been made. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing the absence of desire or the absence of a formal process.

When is it appropriate to use "is not sought"?

It is appropriate in formal writing, legal documents, or when you want to convey a sense of objectivity and detachment. It's less suitable for casual conversation or informal contexts where a more direct phrase would be preferable.