seek to define

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seek to define" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the intention or effort to clarify or establish the meaning of a concept or term. Example: "In this paper, we seek to define the key principles of sustainable development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He seemed to seek to define himself differently.

The New York Times

In your book, you seek to define Judaism as something besides religious belief.

The New York Times - Magazine

The curators insist that 89plus doesn't seek to define a generation.

The New York Times - Arts

Astrophysicists, art critics, biologists, and tennis fans seek to define the indefinable.

The New Yorker

By Patrick House August 17, 2015 Astrophysicists, art critics, biologists, and tennis fans seek to define the indefinable.

The New Yorker

It is, according to the center, nothing less than to "seek to define the nature of contemporary African art" itself.

The New York Times

This is indeed a concern with the proposals, but then the same applies if we seek to define harassment.

The Guardian

Al Qaeda's elasticity and adaptability have long challenged those who seek to define, analyze, contain or defeat the group.

The New Yorker

In some districts, administrators seek to define the line between classroom distraction and the student's need for self-expression.

The New York Times

"The law should not seek to define away the underlying, objective distinctiveness of men and women," the statement continued.

The New York Times

Reporters and editors from The Times will seek to define the problems, assess their impact and outline potential solutions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When precision is key, use "seek to define" to signal an intent to establish a formal definition, particularly in academic or technical writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "seek to define" can sound overly formal in casual conversations or informal writing. Consider using simpler alternatives like "try to explain" or "want to clarify" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek to define" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It typically follows a subject and verb to indicate the intention or goal behind an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seek to define" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that indicates the intention to clarify or establish the meaning of something. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in formal contexts such as news articles, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. While versatile, be mindful of its formality in casual settings, where alternatives might be more appropriate. When aiming for precision in academic or technical writing, the phrase effectively signals a deliberate effort to provide a formal definition. The examples provided by Ludwig, combined with the grammatical analysis, offer a clear understanding of its usage and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to define

Focuses on the act of trying or attempting to define, suggesting a possible lack of success.

strive to define

Emphasizes the effort and determination involved in defining something.

aim to define

Highlights the intention or goal of defining something.

endeavor to define

Suggests a more formal and earnest attempt to define.

try to define

A more casual way of expressing the attempt to define.

work to define

Implies ongoing effort and labor towards defining something.

undertake to define

Indicates a formal and deliberate commitment to defining something.

set out to define

Suggests a purposeful and intentional beginning to defining something.

aspire to define

Highlights the ambition or aspiration to define something.

propose a definition

Focuses on offering a specific definition rather than the process of defining.

FAQs

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

You can use "seek to define" to describe the action of attempting to clarify or establish the meaning of something, as in "Researchers "seek to define" the key factors influencing climate change."

What are some alternatives to "seek to define"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "attempt to define", "strive to define", or "aim to define".

Is it correct to say "seeking to define" instead of "seek to define"?

Yes, "seeking to define" is a grammatically correct alternative. It emphasizes the ongoing nature of the effort to define something, whereas ""seek to define"" expresses a more general intention.

What is the difference between "seek to define" and "attempt to define"?

Both phrases indicate an effort to clarify or establish meaning. "Seek to define" implies a deliberate and purposeful approach, while "attempt to define" may suggest a less certain or more experimental approach.