seek ideas

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seek ideas" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing the action of looking for or searching for new concepts, thoughts, or suggestions. Example: "In our brainstorming session, we will seek ideas that can help improve our marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

On 'Makes No Sense At All', two hapless singers seek ideas for a song.

The Guardian - Music

Could this lead creative departments to seek ideas from their counterparts?

The Guardian

With help, we set up a website to seek ideas from customers.

Harvard Business Review

Leeds Beckett University has used our engagement activities to seek ideas from BAME teachers.

The Guardian

A recent competition held with Lockheed Martin to seek ideas for radiation shielding received 34,000 entries from children.

The Guardian

During difficult economic times, organizations often seek ideas on how to cut costs or perform operations more efficiently.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

He called coaches, seeking ideas and insight.

The New York Times - Sports

They sought ideas for shaping development in their own neighborhood.

The New York Times - Arts

They also sought ideas from outsiders with carbon-reduction programmes, such as Tata Steel.

The Economist

I wanted to tell a ghost story, so I sought ideas on Facebook and Twitter (@brucefeiler).

The New York Times

The agency seeks ideas for clients, through a proprietary technology platform, in two ways.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal contexts, use "seek ideas" to convey a proactive approach to problem-solving and innovation.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "seek ideas" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "look for ideas" or "get ideas" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "seek ideas" is a verb phrase where "seek" is the verb and "ideas" is the direct object. This phrase typically functions as the predicate of a sentence, indicating an action of searching or requesting. Ludwig AI confirms this through its examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seek ideas" is a grammatically sound and functional verb phrase used to convey the act of actively searching for or requesting new concepts. While it maintains a neutral to formal register, Ludwig AI demonstrates its prevalence across diverse contexts. While it is suitable for professional communications, simpler phrases such as "look for ideas" or "search for ideas" might be better suited in casual contexts. To maintain precision and appropriateness, consider alternatives such as "solicit ideas" or "gather ideas", depending on the specific nuances you wish to communicate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

search for ideas

This alternative employs a more common verb, 'search', making it slightly less formal than "seek ideas".

look for ideas

This option is more casual and direct compared to "seek ideas".

pursue ideas

This suggests a more active and determined search for ideas, implying a focused effort.

explore ideas

This emphasizes the investigation and examination of different concepts rather than simply looking for them.

solicit ideas

This implies a formal request for ideas, often from a specific group or audience.

gather ideas

This focuses on collecting ideas from various sources, suggesting a broader approach.

hunt for ideas

This alternative suggests a more intense and urgent search for ideas, as if they are scarce.

invite ideas

This emphasizes creating an open environment to receive ideas from others.

call for ideas

This suggests a public and widespread request for suggestions or concepts.

encourage ideas

This focuses on promoting an environment where others are motivated to share ideas.

FAQs

What does "seek ideas" mean?

The phrase "seek ideas" means to actively look for, search for, or request new concepts, suggestions, or insights, often with the intention of solving a problem or innovating.

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

You can use "seek ideas" in a sentence like: "The company decided to "seek ideas" from its employees to improve customer service." or "Researchers "seek ideas" from various sources to develop new theories."

What are some alternatives to "seek ideas"?

Some alternatives to "seek ideas" include "look for ideas", "search for ideas", "solicit ideas", "gather ideas", or "pursue ideas". The best alternative depends on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is "seek ideas" formal or informal?

"Seek ideas" is generally considered more formal than phrases like "look for ideas" or "get ideas". It's appropriate for professional, academic, or official communications.