seek to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seek to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a desire or ambition to become something, or to do something. For example: "The young woman sought to be a successful doctor, and she worked hard to make her dream a reality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What do we seek to be?

The New York Times

Look at what we seek to be!

The New York Times - Arts

Mr Peabody did not seek to be president.

The Economist

To seek to be free is a big responsibility.

Independent

We should seek to be really good monopolists.

The New York Times

We don't seek to be a car dealer.

The New York Times

We seek to be both effective and correct.

The New York Times

We don't seek to be a grocery store.

The New York Times

Why would a writer seek to be homeless?

The Guardian - Books

We don't seek to be a phone company.

The New York Times

"You want hospitals that seek to be empty, doctors that seek to be idle, machines that are few.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seek to be" to clearly express a deliberate and purposeful intention to achieve a specific state or goal. It adds a sense of commitment and active pursuit.

Common error

Avoid using "seek to be" in very informal contexts, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives like "want to be" or "try to be" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek to be" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing a purpose or intention. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

16%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seek to be" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys a purposeful intention or aspiration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile enough for many contexts, though it carries a slightly formal tone. When writing, remember that while "seek to be" adds a sense of commitment, it's important to consider your audience and choose alternatives like "aim to be" or "strive to be" for optimal clarity. This phrase is predominantly found in News & Media sources, reflecting its role in conveying objectives and ambitions across a wide range of topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aim to be

Focuses on the intention or goal, similar to "seek to be" but with a slightly stronger emphasis on planning.

strive to be

Emphasizes the effort and determination involved in achieving a particular state.

aspire to be

Implies a high level of ambition and a desire to reach a lofty goal.

endeavor to be

Suggests a conscientious and earnest effort to achieve a desired outcome.

try to be

Represents a simple attempt or effort, less formal and intense than "seek to be".

want to be

Indicates a desire, but lacks the proactive and purposeful connotation of "seek to be".

desire to be

Similar to "want to be", but slightly more formal and emphasizes the feeling of wanting.

intend to be

Highlights the planned or purposed nature of becoming something.

hope to be

Expresses a wishful expectation, with less certainty than "seek to be".

wish to be

Conveys a desire or longing, often for something that may be difficult to attain.

FAQs

How can I use "seek to be" in a sentence?

Use "seek to be" to express a deliberate intention or effort to become something or achieve a particular state. For example, "Many students "seek to be" successful in their careers".

What are some alternatives to "seek to be"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "aim to be", "strive to be", or "aspire to be". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "seek to be" formal or informal?

"Seek to be" is generally considered more formal. In informal contexts, consider using phrases like "want to be" or "try to be".

What is the difference between "seek to be" and "try to be"?

"Seek to be" implies a more deliberate and purposeful effort than "try to be". "Seek" suggests a more committed pursuit, while "try" simply indicates an attempt.