seek the return of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seek the return of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting or attempting to get something back, such as an item, a person, or a situation. Example: "The organization decided to seek the return of the stolen artifacts to their rightful owners."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

The students' first aim had been to seek the return of the shah to face trial.

The Economist

These include powers to seek the return of any tainted gifts.

The Guardian - Business

They seek the return of what they claim is more than $100 million worth of paintings.

The New York Times - Arts

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta described efforts to seek the return of the drone from Iran as "an appropriate request".

The New York Times

As we put off the day that might bring our PWs back, we seek the return of our PWs.

The New Yorker

Executives there would not say on Monday if they planned to seek the return of their money, and declined further comment, citing the criminal investigation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Greece has long sought the return of the friezes.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Schroeder is seeking the return of the collection and damages.

The New York Times

The SEC is seeking the return of any ill-gotten gains plus a penalty.

The Economist

ChinaCast then sued Mr. Chan in a Shanghai court, seeking the return of several chops.

The New York Times

Mr. Salim was assassinated by terrorists seeking the return of tyranny and the death of democracy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seek the return of", ensure that the context clearly identifies what is being sought and from whom or where it is expected to be returned. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "seek the return of" when the action of returning is already underway or guaranteed. This phrase implies an active effort to get something back; if the return is already in progress, consider using "await the return of" or "expect the return of" for accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek the return of" functions as a verb phrase, specifically indicating the action of attempting to get something back. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in various contexts, highlighting its versatility in describing efforts to reclaim items, people, or rights.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seek the return of" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of attempting to get something back. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English, noting its common usage in contexts ranging from news and media to formal business settings. While alternatives like ""request the return of"" or "pursue the recovery of" offer similar meanings, "seek the return of" strikes a balance between formality and directness, making it a suitable choice for various professional and neutral communications. When deploying this phrase, ensure that the object of the return is clearly defined, and avoid using it when the return is already guaranteed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request the return of

This phrase is a more direct and formal way of asking for something to be returned.

pursue the recovery of

This alternative implies a more active and determined effort to get something back.

attempt to regain

This phrase suggests an effort to get back something that was lost or taken away.

strive for the restoration of

This alternative indicates a strong effort to bring something back to its original condition.

work towards retrieving

This suggests a process of actively trying to get something back.

aim to reclaim

This phrase conveys a sense of purpose and determination in getting something back.

endeavor to recover

Similar to 'pursue', but slightly more formal, emphasizing the effort involved.

initiate the retrieval of

This phrase is more formal and suggests the beginning of a process to get something back.

take steps to retrieve

This indicates that specific actions are being taken to get something back.

act to recuperate

This phrase highlights the actions taken to recover something, especially in a formal context.

FAQs

How can I use "seek the return of" in a sentence?

You can use "seek the return of" to describe an attempt to get something back. For example, "The museum decided to "request the return of" the stolen artifacts."

What phrases are similar to "seek the return of"?

Similar phrases include ""request the return of"", "pursue the recovery of", or "attempt to regain", each with slightly different implications.

Is it more appropriate to use "seek the return of" or "secure the return of"?

"Seek the return of" implies an attempt or effort to get something back, while "secure the return of" suggests that the return has been guaranteed or achieved. Choose the phrase that best reflects the current status of the return.

In what contexts is "seek the return of" most commonly used?

The phrase "seek the return of" is commonly used in formal contexts like legal, political, and business discussions, but also appears in news and media when discussing efforts to recover something.