seek to do

USAGE SUMMARY

"seek to do" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used when expressing a desire or intention to do something. For example, "We seek to do what is right and just."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's what we seek to do".

The Guardian - Sport

"That is what they seek to do.

The Guardian

An endless queue of folk seek to do it.

The Guardian

Proponents of carbon sequestration seek to do just that.

The New York Times - Magazine

The CPS has no power to direct them and did not seek to do so".

Independent

When it becomes the largest economy on earth, it will certainly seek to do so.

The New York Times

"Unless he is convinced of that, he would not seek to do that".

The New York Times

Other players may seek to do the same, but they must persuade their current clubs.

The New York Times - Sports

"What the W.T.O. and these agreements seek to do is make deregulation a one-way street".

The New York Times

Mr. Larrabee declined to comment when asked whether the administration would seek to do so.

The New York Times

"We don't seek to do good," Denton told the Washington Post.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seek to do" when you want to convey a sense of purpose or intention, especially in formal or professional contexts. It adds a touch of seriousness and determination to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "seek to do" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "try to" or "want to" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek to do" functions as a verbal phrase expressing intention or purpose. It indicates a deliberate effort or attempt to achieve a specific action or outcome. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seek to do" is a versatile expression indicating intention or purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While very common, it's essential to consider the context and audience when using it, as it may sound overly formal in casual settings. For informal situations, simpler alternatives like "try to" or "want to" might be more appropriate. Remember, the goal is clear and effective communication, and choosing the right phrase can make a significant difference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aim to accomplish

Replaces "seek" with "aim", focusing on the accomplishment aspect.

try to carry out

A more straightforward and direct approach to attempting a task.

strive to achieve

Emphasizes the effort involved in reaching a goal.

intend to undertake

Focuses on the planning and beginning of a task.

endeavor to perform

A more formal and deliberate way of expressing an attempt to do something.

desire to complete

Emphasizes the wish and the finalization of an action.

aspire to execute

Highlights ambition and the act of carrying something out.

plan to implement

Highlights the planned nature and putting something into effect.

work towards fulfilling

Focuses on the continuous effort towards a goal.

pursue the realization of

Emphasizes chasing and making something real.

FAQs

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

The phrase "seek to do" is used to express an intention or aim. For example, "We "seek to do" what is right", or "They "seek to do" harm".

What are some alternatives to "seek to do"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "aim to accomplish", "strive to achieve", or "intend to undertake".

Is "seek to do" appropriate for all writing styles?

While grammatically correct, "seek to do" is generally more suitable for formal or professional writing. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "try to" or "want to".

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

"Seek to do" implies a more deliberate and purposeful effort compared to "try to do". The former suggests a considered intention, while the latter simply indicates an attempt.