seek fame

USAGE SUMMARY

"seek fame" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to actively pursue or strive for recognition and notoriety. Example: Sarah had always dreamed of being a famous actress, so she decided to move to Los Angeles to seek fame.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Banksy Was Here" (2007): Lauren Collins goes in search of Banksy, whose anonymity allows him "to seek fame while shielding him from the meaner consequences of fame-seeking".

The New Yorker

Nor did he seek fame.

The New Yorker

A somebody who knew better than to seek fame.

The Guardian - Money

She also told the students they should not seek fame.

The Guardian

She feels she should seek fame, yet she finds relief shampooing clients in a hair salon.

The Economist

A subheading in your article reads, "Characters, made with a flick of the mouse, seek fame".

The New York Times

So why didn't he leave, seek fame and fortune in London like Peter?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

So long as steps to reduce gun violence are paralyzed by politics, he added, angry young men will seek fame--or infamy--and the mass shootings will continue.

Los Angeles Times

He never sought fame, but cleverly landed himself right in the middle of the Beatles story.

The Economist

This was the score that Wagner, then seeking fame in Paris, admired so wholeheartedly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That doesn't mean he's not seeking fame and glory and piles of cash.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about someone's aspirations, "seek fame" can effectively convey their ambition for public recognition. However, consider the specific context and connotations; alternatives like "seek recognition" or "seek acclaim" might be more appropriate depending on the desired nuance.

Common error

Be mindful of the distinction between "fame" and genuine achievement. Don't assume that someone who "seeks fame" is necessarily striving for meaningful accomplishments; they may simply desire attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek fame" functions as a verb phrase, where "seek" is the verb and "fame" is the direct object. It describes the act of pursuing or striving for recognition and public attention, according to Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seek fame" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the pursuit of public recognition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys ambition and the desire for widespread attention. While often neutral in tone, the specific context can influence its connotation, ranging from a superficial craving for attention to a genuine aspiration to share one's talents or ideas with a broader audience. When using this phrase, it's important to consider whether alternatives like "seek recognition" or "seek acclaim" might better capture the intended nuance. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, and less commonly in academic or formal business contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pursue fame

Uses "pursue" instead of "seek", offering a slightly more active connotation.

seek glory

Replaces "fame" with "glory", emphasizing honor and prestige alongside recognition.

seek recognition

Uses a more general term, "recognition", instead of the more specific "fame".

achieve fame

Focuses on the attainment of fame rather than the pursuit.

seek stardom

Substitutes "fame" with "stardom", suggesting a higher level of celebrity and recognition.

seek celebrity

Uses "celebrity" in place of "fame", highlighting the pursuit of widespread public attention.

seek notoriety

Replaces "fame" with "notoriety", implying a pursuit of recognition that may be negative or infamous.

seek acclaim

Emphasizes the pursuit of positive recognition and praise.

seek stature

Replaces "fame" with "stature", focusing on achieving respect and importance.

seek greatness

Shifts the focus from fame to achieving remarkable accomplishments.

FAQs

How can I use "seek fame" in a sentence?

You can use "seek fame" to describe someone's ambition for public recognition. For example: "The young actor moved to Hollywood to "seek fame" and fortune."

What's a more formal way to say "seek fame"?

A more formal alternative could be to "pursue recognition" or to "strive for acclaim", depending on the context.

Is it always negative to say someone "seeks fame"?

Not necessarily. While "seek fame" can sometimes imply a superficial desire for attention, it can also describe someone genuinely passionate about their craft seeking a wider audience.

What is the difference between "seek fame" and "seek success"?

"Seek success" is broader, encompassing various achievements, while "seek fame" specifically refers to the pursuit of public recognition and notoriety.