seek to find

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seek to find" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to express a desire to look for something or attempt to discover something. For example, "I'm seeking to find a solution to this problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In the next three experiments, we seek to find the factor that dissociates the two sets of findings.

Attention, Perception & Psychophysics

Then you will have to seek to find a job.

Yale University

By Vanna Le March 6, 2011 "To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield".

The New Yorker

The commission would seek to find out how the program was actually run.

The New York Times

We will seek to find alternative accommodation when a more suitable placement becomes available".

The Guardian

Social workers, she said, seek to find out why things happen.

The New York Times

They seek to find all the things and interests we have in common.

The Guardian - Opinion

So it seems obvious that they should seek to find a common cause.

The Guardian

They seek to find out why a document was written, and the motivations of the writer.

Stanford University

All countries seek to find out what they feel they desperately need to know.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

To most people they are nobody they would ever seek to find".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seek to find" to convey a deliberate and intentional effort to discover or locate something, especially when the process involves investigation or research.

Common error

Avoid using "seek to find" when a simpler term like "search" or "look for" suffices. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek to find" functions as an infinitive phrase that typically acts as an adverbial modifier, indicating the purpose or intention behind an action. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in academic, news, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seek to find" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys a deliberate and intentional effort to discover or locate something. Ludwig confirms its validity and common usage. While "seek to find" is generally acceptable, it's important to consider context and avoid redundancy, as simpler alternatives may sometimes be more appropriate. It appears most often in News & Media and Science, showing its versality. The phrase's authoritative sources further support its use in formal and semi-formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

search for

A more direct and simple way of expressing the act of looking for something.

endeavor to locate

Emphasizes a determined attempt to discover, adding a sense of effort.

hunt for

Implies a more intense and active search.

strive to discover

Highlights the effort and ambition in the process of discovery.

attempt to ascertain

Focuses on establishing something with certainty, often implying investigation.

aim to uncover

Suggests a deliberate effort to reveal something hidden or unknown.

investigate to reveal

Emphasizes a methodical exploration to uncover hidden information.

try to detect

Emphasizes the act of noticing or discovering something not immediately obvious.

work to attain

Focuses on achieving or gaining something through effort.

pursue to acquire

Highlights the act of following a course of action to gain something.

FAQs

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

You can use "seek to find" to describe an intentional effort to discover something. For example, "Researchers "seek to find" new treatments for diseases".

What are some alternatives to "seek to find"?

Alternatives include "search for", "attempt to ascertain", or "strive to discover", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "seek to find"?

While grammatically correct, "seek to find" can sometimes be redundant. Consider whether a simpler term like "search" or "look for" might be more concise and effective.

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

"Seek to find" suggests a more formal and deliberate effort, often involving investigation or research. "Try to find" is a more general and informal way of expressing an attempt to locate something.