seek knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seek knowledge" is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to encourage someone to gain knowledge or whenever you want to express an idea that learning new things is a worthwhile endeavor. For example, you might say, "If you want to be successful in life, always remember to seek knowledge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Transformative people are people who seek knowledge," she begins.

The New York Times

User integration happens, among other reasons, because producers seek knowledge about product usage.

Procedia CIRP

She pointed out that Muhammad directed that every person must seek knowledge, regardless of gender.

Harvard University

Asked about the Mourides' travels, the grand caliph said, "Some go to seek knowledge; others go to seek material wealth".

The New York Times

To proactively seek knowledge I use social media like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google alerts, and a variety of other sources.

Harvard Business Review

I imagined people like Rollerball Rocco coming to seek knowledge over this awful food in this awful setting".

Independent

Our humanity is most clearly defined by the diversity of tributaries down which we paddle to seek knowledge.

The Economist

America fears what it doesn't know, yet lazily refuses to seek knowledge of the "other" to allay its irrational fears.

The New York Times

While personal revelation is an excellent way to know whom we love, it is an abysmal way to seek knowledge about the universe.

The New York Times

In one of the sermons to his followers, he kept it apolitical, advising them as "brothers and sisters" to seek knowledge and "don't chant slogans about it".

The New York Times

Accordingly, the serpent was a true liberator of mankind since he first taught men to rebel against Jehovah and seek knowledge of the true, unknown God.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seek knowledge" when you want to emphasize the active and intentional pursuit of learning and understanding. For example, instead of saying someone is interested in learning, you could say they actively "seek knowledge".

Common error

While "seek knowledge" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "learn", "find out", or "explore" when speaking or writing informally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek knowledge" functions primarily as a verb phrase where 'seek' is the main verb and 'knowledge' is the direct object. As seen in the Ludwig AI's analysis and examples, it commonly expresses the action of actively pursuing information and understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seek knowledge" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression signifying the active pursuit of learning and understanding. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and prevalence across various domains, including news, academia, and science. While the phrase can sometimes sound formal, its core meaning remains consistent: to actively try to learn and understand new things. Consider simpler alternatives like "learn" or "find out" in informal contexts. When aiming to convey a deliberate and thoughtful approach to learning, "seek knowledge" is the perfect choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pursue knowledge

Replaces "seek" with a synonym, "pursue", maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

acquire knowledge

Uses "acquire" instead of "seek", emphasizing the gaining of knowledge.

gain knowledge

Similar to "acquire knowledge", but slightly more informal.

obtain knowledge

Synonymous with "acquire knowledge", offering a formal alternative.

search for knowledge

Emphasizes the active process of looking for knowledge.

strive for knowledge

Highlights the effort and dedication involved in gaining knowledge.

hunt for knowledge

Implies a more intensive and deliberate search for knowledge.

explore knowledge

Suggests a broad and open-ended investigation into different areas of knowledge.

develop understanding

Focuses on the outcome of seeking knowledge, which is increased understanding.

cultivate wisdom

Implies a long-term and thoughtful approach to acquiring knowledge and applying it wisely.

FAQs

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

You can use "seek knowledge" to describe the act of actively trying to learn and understand things. For instance, "Transformative people are people who "seek knowledge"" or "It is incumbent upon every Muslim to "seek knowledge" and to seek a cure for diseases".

What are some alternatives to "seek knowledge"?

Alternatives to "seek knowledge" include "pursue knowledge", "acquire knowledge", "gain knowledge", or "obtain knowledge". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is "seeking knowledge" the same as "seek knowledge"?

"Seeking knowledge" is the gerund or present participle form of the verb phrase, often used as a noun or in continuous tenses. "Seek knowledge" is the base form, typically used in imperative or infinitive constructions. Both are grammatically correct but have different uses. For example you may say "Seeking knowledge is a lifelong pursuit."

In what contexts is "seek knowledge" most appropriate?

"Seek knowledge" is often used in formal writing, academic discussions, or when emphasizing the importance of actively pursuing learning. It's suitable when you want to convey a sense of purpose and determination in the quest for understanding.