it seeks not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seeks not" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a literary or formal context to express that something does not pursue or desire a particular outcome. Example: "In its essence, the organization operates with a mission that seeks not personal gain but the betterment of society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Others contend that the administration's options are inherently limited if it seeks not to Americanize yet another Middle Eastern war.

The Guardian

It seeks not to cure the problem but to placate the consciences of those who have been most problematic.

The Guardian - Opinion

It seeks not to unite the country through fairer access to good housing, but to divide it through a relentless focus on home ownership.

The Guardian - Opinion

It seeks not to preach about the nation's problems, but rather to tell, with the precision of a haiku, a story that encompasses all the disparate branches of our history as it informs the present.

The Guardian - Music

It seeks not only to squeeze the group's opium revenues, but also to increase Afghan army offensives backed by American air power and to hold elections to enhance the Afghan government's legitimacy.

The New York Times

With rapid, reciprocal concessions, it seeks not only to end 31 months of conflict but also to resolve territorial and religious claims that have divided the two peoples for generations.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

With its roots in the settlement-house movement rather than leftist ideology, it sought not to replace democratic capitalism but to ameliorate its harshest effects.

The New York Times - Arts

It sought not to dismantle or secularize the Islamic Republic — which was established in 1979 — but to improve it.

The New Yorker

The council said the Liberty Bell it seeks is NOT the double-sized replica in front of Union Station.

The Washington Post

A successful foreign policy is more often incremental than instantaneous ― it seeks results, not attention.

Huffington Post

It is ideologically accommodating, seeking not to exclude.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it seeks not", ensure the sentence maintains a parallel structure. The phrase following 'not' should be grammatically consistent with the phrase preceding it for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it seeks not" in everyday conversation or informal writing. Its formal register can sound stilted or unnatural in casual settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it doesn't try to" or "it isn't meant to" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seeks not" functions as a negative declarative clause. It asserts what a subject does not attempt or desire, often emphasizing a contrast with what it does aim for. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it seeks not" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase best suited for formal contexts. It serves to emphasize what something does not aim to do, often by highlighting a contrast. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its infrequent usage suggests it should be employed judiciously to avoid sounding overly formal in casual communication. Its usage is most common in news, scientific and encyclopedia domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it does not aim to

Emphasizes the absence of a specific goal or target.

it is not intended to

Highlights the lack of a deliberate plan or purpose.

it doesn't try to

Focuses on the absence of effort or attempt.

it refrains from

Stresses the act of holding back or abstaining.

it avoids

Highlights the conscious effort to steer clear of something.

it isn't designed to

Focuses on the lack of a specific purpose in the design or construction.

it has no desire to

Emphasizes the absence of a wish or yearning.

it makes no attempt to

Highlights the lack of any try to.

it is not about

Highlights that the subject is unrelated to another one.

it shuns

Emphasizes the conscious rejection of something.

FAQs

How can I use "it seeks not" in a sentence?

Use "it seeks not" to emphasize what something doesn't aim to do. For instance, "The program it seeks not to replace existing systems, but to enhance them."

What are some alternatives to "it seeks not"?

Alternatives include "it does not aim to", "it is not intended to", or "it doesn't try to", depending on the context.

Is "it seeks not" considered formal language?

Yes, "it seeks not" is considered formal. It's best suited for academic, professional, or literary contexts. More casual situations may call for simpler phrases.

What is the difference between "it seeks not" and "it does not seek"?

"It seeks not" is a more stylized and formal way of saying "it does not seek". The former is often used for emphasis or to create a more elevated tone.