seek

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "seek" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to looking for something, usually in an attempt to find it. For example, "I am seeking a new job before the end of the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Scotland's 56 SNP MPs will certainly seek to amend the legislation to ensure that young people are able to take part in the vote".

The Guardian

"EE's decision on Friday is surprising in the context of a contract that has more than a year to run and leaves the board with no alternative but to seek the administrator's protection in the interests of all its stakeholders".

The Guardian - Business

We must show them that there are other ways to express disagreement, that their right to do so is dependent on the very freedoms that extremists seek to destroy.

The Guardian

It is Alice in Wonderland territory, Orwellian almost, for any government of any political persuasion to seek to come along and try to rewrite the lexicon.

The New York Times

As a result, many investors suspect he would seek to end those purchases more quickly than Ms. Yellen.

The New York Times

However, a few hours later, Bruno Gollnisch, one of Le Pen's oldest and closest friends announced he would also seek nomination to lead the FN's list.

The Guardian

A Labour-led coalition will lack legitimacy in England and, if it is governing from a clear second-place, it might be better to seek a second election than to first walk into power and then into oblivion.

The Guardian

This indirect electoral maths suggests that Ukip's outsize influence on the national debate (relative to their parliamentary presence) could be set to continue as the major parties seek to fend off the threat in their key marginal constituencies.

The Guardian

"It's a crucial part of the vision of the institution even to be a little bit disputatious in a way, and that's something we're actively trying to seek, not as a way of shocking people for no good reason, but to encourage conversation".

The Guardian - Arts

Explaining his decision to seek a fourth term, he said last year: "They criticise me, but I want to keep working.

The Guardian

Revisionist remakes of classic children's films are all the rage at the moment, as studios seek to dust off properties for fresh audiences.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seek" when you want to convey a sense of purpose or intentionality in finding or obtaining something. It's more formal than "look for" and suggests a deliberate effort.

Common error

Avoid using "seek" in very casual conversations where simpler alternatives like "look for" or "try to find" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your speech sound overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "seek" is as a verb, denoting the action of attempting to find or obtain something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it aligns with standard English grammar rules. Examples show it used to express both literal searches and more abstract pursuits.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seek" is a versatile verb used to express the act of searching or trying to obtain something, often with a sense of purpose. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. While "seek" is more formal than simpler alternatives like "look for", it's widely applicable in news, formal writing, and professional contexts. To use it effectively, remember to reserve it for situations where you want to emphasize the intentionality behind the search or pursuit. Overusing "seek" in casual conversations can sound overly formal, so be mindful of your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look for

Replaces "seek" with a more common and straightforward synonym.

search for

Similar to "look for" but can imply a more thorough or formal search.

try to find

Expresses the effort involved in the action of seeking.

attempt to locate

More formal and precise, suitable for technical or official contexts.

strive for

Indicates a determined effort to achieve a goal, similar to seeking success.

pursue

Implies actively chasing or following after something.

aim for

Suggests having a goal or target in mind.

request

Focuses on asking for something, often in a formal setting.

solicit

Implies asking for something, often money or support.

aspire to

Expresses a strong desire or ambition for something.

FAQs

How to use "seek" in a sentence?

"Seek" can be used to express the act of trying to find or obtain something, as in "I "seek" wisdom" or "They "seek" justice".

What can I say instead of "seek"?

You can use alternatives like "look for", "search for", or "try to find" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "seek" instead of "look for"?

"Seek" is more appropriate in formal contexts or when emphasizing a deliberate and purposeful effort to find something. "Look for" is generally more casual and widely applicable.

Is "sought" the past tense of "seek"?

Yes, "sought" is both the past tense and past participle of ""seek"". For example, "He "sought" advice" and "She had "sought" help".