seek closure

USAGE SUMMARY

"seek closure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are wanting the resolution of a particular incident or situation. For example: "After all these years, she still sought closure for the pain caused by her loss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"I'm trying to urge him to seek closure," Field said.

The New Yorker

Others hope for a different ending, but seek closure nonetheless.

The Economist

"We will seek closure Wednesday," Sarukhan said in an interview.

The Washington Post

It's easier to seek closure, so we do.

Harvard Business Review

With the appearance of this package, their three families again seek closure for their lost loved ones.

The New Yorker

How do people seek closure and what is the impact on mental health when closure is not achieved?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Thirteen weeks and, like Ellen, I'm still seeking closure.

The Guardian

Yet this book about beginnings poignantly develops into one about an elderly, elusive author seeking closure.

The Guardian - Books

He's seeking closure for a different relationship, after an ugly breakup with Nora.

The New Yorker

"The family seeks closure on this important issue which has torn our family apart".

The New York Times

Mr. Prince said Citigroup sought "closure," but that might be premature.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional implications of "seek closure". It often involves dealing with grief, loss, or conflict, so approach the topic with sensitivity and awareness of the audience's perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "seek closure" when a situation merely requires a solution, not emotional or psychological resolution. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek closure" functions as a verb phrase, where "seek" is the action verb and "closure" is the direct object. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, indicating an active effort to find resolution after a difficult event.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seek closure" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes the act of attempting to find resolution or finality, especially after a difficult or traumatic event. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is versatile and appears frequently in contexts like News & Media, Wiki, and Academia. The phrase carries a neutral tone, making it suitable for various writing styles. While the phrase is generally accepted, ensure appropriate context and sensitivity in its application, and avoid overuse. Consider alternatives like "pursue resolution" or "attempt to reconcile" to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aim for resolution

Indicates a goal-oriented approach to resolving a situation, differing in its emphasis on the intended outcome.

pursue resolution

Focuses on the active pursuit of a solution or end to a problem, differing slightly in emphasizing the effort involved.

request resolution

Implies a formal appeal or demand for a situation to be resolved, differing in its direct and assertive tone.

work towards finality

Focuses on achieving a state of completion or conclusion, highlighting the process of reaching an end point.

strive for settlement

Highlights the effort to reach an agreement or compromise, often in a legal or formal context.

attempt to reconcile

Highlights the effort to bring conflicting parties or ideas into agreement, adding an element of relationship repair.

hunt for resolution

Suggests a dedicated and possibly difficult search for a solution, emphasizing the challenge involved.

desire reconciliation

Emphasizes the wish for harmony and agreement, specifically in relationships or disputes.

try to find peace

Emphasizes the emotional state of calmness and serenity as the desired outcome, rather than the resolution of a specific issue.

be after resolution

Informal way to say you're trying to find resolution.

FAQs

How to use "seek closure" in a sentence?

You can use "seek closure" to describe the act of trying to find resolution or finality after a difficult event. For example, "After years of uncertainty, the family decided to "seek closure" by revisiting the site of the accident".

What can I say instead of "seek closure"?

You can use alternatives like "pursue resolution", "attempt to reconcile", or "try to find peace" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "seek closure" or "find closure"?

Both "seek closure" and "find closure" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Seek closure" implies an active attempt to achieve resolution, while "find closure" suggests a discovery or attainment of it. You "seek closure" through actions, and you "find closure" when you finally achieve it.

What's the difference between "seek closure" and "achieve closure"?

"Seek closure" refers to the process of trying to find a resolution or sense of finality, while "achieve closure" refers to successfully reaching that resolution. One is the effort, the other is the result.