seek to discover

USAGE SUMMARY

"seek to discover" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in a variety of contexts when you want to express an expanding search for something. For example, "The researcher sought to discover the cause of the disease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

The magistrates seek to discover whether Mr. Strauss-Kahn might have known of any such payments.

The New York Times

Today, biotechnology researchers seek to discover the root molecular causes of disease and to intervene precisely at that level.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They are free to grow whichever grapes they want; free to mix and blend as they seek to discover what will and won't work.

The Guardian - Travel

The investigation will also seek to discover to what extent the support and publicity for the BAG Schwup made paedophilia more acceptable in the wider society.

The Guardian

Many are African-Americans (and a substantial number of mixed-race couples) who say they seek to discover their roots -- or simply feel comfortable uptown.

The New York Times

It is a fitting world for a genre that would seek to discover the soiled self in the previously unsullied icon.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Under this method, a scientist seeks to discover an observed exception to his postulated rule.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Finding the source of the problem in oppression, her dance seeks to discover remedies through art.

The New Yorker

Among many who sought to discover profound meanings in the text was Dong Zhongshu (c. 179 c.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Christopher Snow seeks to discover why children in his hometown keep disappearing.

The New York Times - Books

The commissioner recommended that judges should approve communications data requests in cases where officers are seeking to discover journalists' sources.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seek to discover" when you want to emphasize a deliberate and intentional effort to find something out, especially through investigation or exploration.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "seek to discover" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "try to find" or "look for" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek to discover" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase expressing a purpose or intention. It typically follows a subject and verb, indicating what the subject is trying to achieve. As Ludwig confirms, it's a usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seek to discover" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a deliberate effort to find something out, often through investigation or exploration. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in a variety of contexts. While suitable for formal writing, simpler alternatives may be preferred in casual conversation. Its frequency is common, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. When employing "seek to discover", consider the formality of the context and whether a more straightforward alternative might better suit your needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

endeavor to find

Changes "seek" to "endeavor", emphasizing a determined attempt; "discover" becomes "find", a more general term for locating something.

strive to uncover

"Seek" is replaced by "strive", highlighting effort; "discover" is changed to "uncover", suggesting revealing something hidden.

aim to ascertain

"Seek" becomes "aim", focusing on intention; "discover" is replaced by "ascertain", a more formal term for finding something out for certain.

attempt to learn

"Seek" is replaced by "attempt", indicating an effort; "discover" is changed to "learn", focusing on gaining knowledge.

try to determine

"Seek" becomes "try", suggesting an experiment; "discover" is replaced by "determine", focusing on establishing something definitively.

explore to reveal

"Seek" is replaced by "explore", highlighting investigation; "discover" is changed to "reveal", focusing on making something known.

pursue to unveil

"Seek" becomes "pursue", suggesting chasing after something; "discover" is replaced by "unveil", focusing on revealing something previously concealed.

research to expose

"Seek" is replaced by "research", focusing on systematic investigation; "discover" is changed to "expose", highlighting the uncovering of something that was meant to be hidden.

investigate to identify

"Seek" is replaced by "investigate", emphasizing a detailed examination; "discover" is changed to "identify", focusing on recognizing something specific.

work to establish

"Seek" is replaced by "work", indicating effort; "discover" is changed to "establish", focusing on setting something up or proving it.

FAQs

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

You can use "seek to discover" to describe a deliberate attempt to find something out through investigation. For example, "Researchers "seek to discover" new treatments for diseases."

What are some alternatives to "seek to discover"?

Some alternatives include "endeavor to find", "strive to uncover", or "aim to ascertain", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "seek to discover" too formal for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "seek to discover" can sound formal. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives like "try to find" or "look for" might be more appropriate.

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

"Seek to discover" implies a more intentional and systematic approach compared to "try to discover", which suggests a less structured or more experimental attempt.