seek to change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seek to change" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing an intention or desire to bring about a change or transformation in a particular situation or context. Example: "The organization aims to seek to change the current policies to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Values self-confrontation methods, which were pioneered by Rokeach [ 1], seek to change people's behaviors by changing the priority of the values that motivate the behaviors.

BMC Public Health

It should seek to change your life.

The New York Times

But those who seek to change it do so at their peril.

The Economist

These outreach officials come from the same communities they seek to change.

Independent

He will also seek to change Iran's relations with the world.

The Guardian

Moves that seek to change this for good must be welcomed and supported.

The Guardian

"It would have been inappropriate for me to seek to change the arrangements.

The Guardian

"The bulletin changes the UN's practice and does not seek to change member states' domestic legislation".

The Guardian

And, by her own admission, she did not seek to change this either.

The Guardian - Books

He added that he did not think General Kayani would seek to change anything.

The New York Times

And some, like Ms. Reiches, who has since become a counselor at the camp, seek to change the status quo.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seek to change" when you want to express a deliberate intention or effort to modify something, whether it's a system, a behavior, or a situation. This phrase works well in formal and professional contexts where a clear objective is being stated.

Common error

Avoid using "seek to change" in very informal or casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "try to change" or "want to change" often sound more natural and less pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek to change" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing a purpose or intention. It typically follows a subject and verb to indicate the aim of the action. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seek to change" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey the intention to modify or transform something. As shown by Ludwig, it's suitable for formal and professional contexts, although alternatives may be preferred in casual conversations. The phrase is prevalent in news, science, and business domains, and it's important to consider the specific nuance you want to convey when choosing between "seek to change" and its various alternatives. The expert analysis and usage patterns confirm its validity and versatility in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aim to alter

Focuses on the intention to alter something, implying a more direct approach than "seek".

strive to transform

Emphasizes the effort and ambition involved in the transformation, adding a sense of dedication.

endeavor to modify

Highlights the attempt and effort to modify something, often used in formal contexts.

attempt to revise

Focuses on the act of revising, suggesting a more structured and planned approach to change.

work towards transforming

Implies a gradual and ongoing effort towards achieving a transformation.

try to reform

Specific to reforming, suggesting improvement through change.

pursue transformation

Highlights the active pursuit of a transformation, emphasizing the proactive nature of the change.

aspire to reshape

Expresses a desire and ambition to reshape something, indicating a long-term goal.

look to adjust

Suggests a forward-looking perspective on adjusting something, often used in a more flexible context.

plan to convert

Implies a structured and strategic approach to converting something from one state to another.

FAQs

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

The phrase "seek to change" is used to express an intention or effort to modify something. For example, "The organization will "seek to change" its policies to promote sustainability."

What are some alternatives to "seek to change"?

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

Is "seek to change" formal or informal?

The phrase "seek to change" is generally considered formal and is often used in professional, academic, or news contexts. In informal situations, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "seek to change" and "try to change"?

"Seek to change" implies a more deliberate and intentional effort, often with a specific goal in mind. "Try to change" is more general and can refer to a less structured attempt. The phrase "seek to change" indicates a committed approach.