seek to prove

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seek to prove" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an attempt to demonstrate or establish the truth of a claim or argument. Example: "In their research, the authors seek to prove that climate change is significantly influenced by human activity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We guess the right answer and then seek to prove it.

Harvard Business Review

Denied the role of breadwinner, some men seek to prove themselves through crime, violence and domestic abuse.

The Economist

There is still violence, as Sunni insurgents and al-Qaeda seek to prove that the surge is not working.

The Washington Post

Mr. DeBoskey said he would seek to prove that workers and residents had been exposed to hazardous levels of plutonium.

The New York Times

Even internal feuds might endanger the wider peace, as the feuders seek to prove their loyalist credentials by attacking their common sectarian enemies.

The Economist

The plaintiffs will seek to prove in court that Hulu violated their privacy by letting third-party companies track their movements across the Internet without their consent.

The New York Times

The al-Qaeda franchise, spread across the Sahel, in the Arabian peninsula and in cells around the world, will surely now seek to prove its potency.

The Economist

The OFT is likely to decide that the charges are unfair and then may seek to prove that point in court.

Independent

A substantial clinical trial would seek to prove that clean birth kits indeed are a need in healthcare institutions to reduce debilitating infections for both mothers and babies.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Prosecutors seek to prove that Mr. Taylor, 38, devised the plan to rob the Wendy's restaurant on Main Street in Flushing that he had once helped to manage.

The New York Times

At the hearing, the owners will seek to prove they did not harass any tenants within three years of the conversion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seek to prove" when the intention is to validate a claim or demonstrate its truth through evidence or argument.

Common error

Avoid using "seek to prove" when the evidence is weak or preliminary. It's more appropriate for situations where there's a reasonable expectation of success. Consider alternatives like "investigate" or "explore" if the outcome is uncertain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek to prove" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It indicates the intention or goal behind an action. Ludwig AI indicates that this expression is acceptable and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seek to prove" is a versatile expression used to convey the intention of demonstrating or validating a claim, as indicated by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. To ensure clarity, define who is "seeking" and use alternatives like "attempt to demonstrate" when the outcome is uncertain. As a very common phrase, understanding its appropriate usage will enhance your writing's precision and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to demonstrate

Emphasizes the effort made in showing something is true.

aim to establish

Highlights the goal of firmly setting up a fact or principle.

try to verify

Focuses on confirming the truth or accuracy of something.

work to confirm

Suggests ongoing effort to validate information.

endeavor to validate

Implies a serious and determined effort to prove something's worth.

strive to ascertain

Conveys a strong effort to find something out for certain.

set out to show

Indicates a deliberate intention to display or prove something.

undertake to evidence

Formal expression suggesting a commitment to providing proof.

pursue confirmation of

Highlights active seeking of approval or validation.

dedicate efforts to substantiate

Suggests a committed investment of resources into providing tangible support for a claim.

FAQs

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

Use "seek to prove" when you want to describe the action of trying to demonstrate or establish the truth of something. For example, "Scientists "seek to prove" their hypotheses through experimentation."

What are some alternatives to "seek to prove"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "attempt to demonstrate", "aim to establish", or "try to verify" as alternatives to "seek to prove".

Is "seek to prove" formal or informal?

"Seek to prove" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts. It's appropriate for situations where you want to convey a serious attempt to establish a fact or argument.

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

While both phrases indicate an attempt to demonstrate something, "seek to prove" often implies a more systematic or deliberate effort compared to "try to prove", which can suggest a simpler or less structured attempt.