not seeking to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not seeking to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a lack of desire or intention to pursue a particular action or goal. Example: "The organization is not seeking to expand its operations at this time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not Seeking to Contain China: Clinton".

The New York Times

We're not seeking to influence the elections".

The New Yorker

The Germans are not seeking to withdraw.

The Guardian

"We are not seeking to apportion blame.

The Guardian

They're not seeking to escape unhappy relationships.

The Guardian - Opinion

And which organization is not seeking to do that?

The New York Times

Mr. Reid is not seeking to end the filibuster entirely.

The New York Times

"We're not seeking to impose ourselves," Mr. Reiss said.

The New York Times

He added: "We are not seeking to avoid the U.A.W.

The New York Times

I was not seeking to end my pregnancy.

The Guardian - Opinion

He is not seeking to run the country.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not seeking to" when you want to clearly state a lack of intention or pursuit of a specific objective. This phrase adds a layer of formality and directness to your writing.

Common error

While "not seeking to" is appropriate in formal contexts, avoid overusing it in casual writing. Simpler alternatives like "not trying to" or "not aiming to" often sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not seeking to" primarily functions as a negative purpose clause. It clarifies what someone or something is not trying to achieve. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not seeking to" is a common and grammatically correct construction used to express a lack of intention or pursuit of a specific objective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely employed in news, formal writing, and business contexts to clearly delineate what isn't being aimed for. While perfectly acceptable, it's important to consider the overall tone of your writing and choose simpler alternatives when a more casual style is appropriate. By understanding its function and register, you can effectively use "not seeking to" to add precision and clarity to your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not intending to

Emphasizes a lack of plan or intention to do something.

not aiming to

Focuses on the absence of a specific goal or target.

not trying to

Highlights the lack of effort or attempt to do something.

not attempting to

Similar to "not trying to" but suggests a more formal or deliberate lack of effort.

not desiring to

Focuses on the absence of a wish or desire to do something.

not wishing to

Similar to "not desiring to" but can also express politeness.

not proposing to

Indicates a lack of suggestion or plan to do something.

not planning to

Emphasizes the absence of a structured plan to do something.

have no intention of

Expresses a firm decision not to do something.

not inclined to

Suggests a lack of willingness or preference to do something.

FAQs

How can I use "not seeking to" in a sentence?

You can use "not seeking to" to express a lack of intention or desire. For example: "The company is "not seeking to" expand its operations this year."

What are some alternatives to "not seeking to"?

Alternatives include "not intending to", "not aiming to", or "not trying to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "not seeking to" than "not trying to"?

Yes, "not seeking to" is generally more formal than "not trying to". The former is often used in professional or official contexts, while the latter is more common in everyday conversation.

What's the difference between "not seeking to" and "not intending to"?

"Not seeking to" emphasizes a lack of active pursuit, while "not intending to" focuses on the absence of a plan or intention. While similar, "not seeking to" can imply a more passive approach.