is sought

USAGE SUMMARY

"is sought" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something is being actively pursued, sought, or sought after. For example: “The truth about the crime is sought.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Glory is sought.

The Economist

Power is sought while responsibility is deflected.

The New York Times

Cubism is sought after these days.

The New York Times - Arts

That is why the legislation is sought.

The Guardian

A left-handed murderer is sought.

The New Yorker

Utzon's judgment is sought on details large and small.

The New Yorker

Mr. Chapman is sought out for his training techniques.

The New York Times

The small, bluish black fruit is sought by birds.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"If violence is sought, or terrorism is sought, the military and the police are authorized to confront this".

The New York Times

But an exclusive clientele is all that is sought.

The New York Times

But treatment only works if it is sought out.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is sought" ensure that the sentence clearly indicates who or what is doing the seeking, even if it's implied.

Common error

Avoid using "is sought" in casual or conversational writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for more natural alternatives like "is needed" or "is wanted" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is sought" functions as a passive verb construction. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is the recipient of the action, rather than the one performing it. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is sought" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase that indicates something is being actively pursued. Ludwig AI highlights its suitability for written English, particularly in formal contexts such as science, news, and business. While effective, remember to consider the level of formality when choosing between "is sought" and alternatives like "is needed" or "is wanted". Using it correctly will enhance the clarity and impact of your writing. Pay special attention in informal context by using an alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is pursued

Focuses on the action of chasing or striving for something, emphasizing the active effort involved.

is strived for

Highlights the effort and ambition put into achieving something, emphasizing the dedication and hard work involved.

is desired

Highlights the aspect of wanting or wishing for something, emphasizing the emotional or aspirational element.

is looked for

Focuses on the act of searching or trying to find something, emphasizing the investigative aspect.

is required

Emphasizes the necessity or obligation of something, focusing on its indispensable nature.

is needed

Focuses on the lack or deficiency that necessitates something, highlighting its importance for fulfilling a need.

is aimed for

Emphasizes the intention and direction of an effort, highlighting the goal-oriented nature of the pursuit.

is in demand

Highlights the popularity or high need for something, emphasizing its market value or general appeal.

is requested

Focuses on the act of asking or formally seeking something, emphasizing the procedural aspect of obtaining it.

is solicited

Emphasizes the act of formally asking for something, often implying a degree of persuasion or encouragement.

FAQs

How can I use "is sought" in a sentence?

You can use "is sought" to indicate that something is being actively pursued or looked for. For example, "A solution to this problem "is sought" by researchers".

What are some alternatives to "is sought"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "is pursued", "is desired", or "is needed". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "is sought" appropriate for informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "is sought" is generally more suitable for formal writing. In informal contexts, alternatives like "is wanted" or "is looked for" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "is sought" and "is desired"?

"Is sought" implies an active effort to find or obtain something, while "is desired" simply indicates that something is wanted or wished for. The former suggests a more deliberate pursuit.