seek to rectify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seek to rectify" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing the intention to correct or improve a situation or issue. Example: "The company aims to seek to rectify the errors found in the report before the final submission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Early college high schools seek to rectify that, by merging high school and some college.

The New York Times

"When there are errors in the process we seek to rectify it immediately," he said.

The New York Times

These are people who have foundations, who make big donations to liberal causes, who seek to rectify structural issues of discrimination and inequality.

The New Yorker

But they assume that the trouble is one of will or intelligence, and they seek to rectify this with draconian tough love.

The Guardian

Riyad al-Maliki, the foreign affairs minister for the Palestinian Authority, told delegates gathered at the Security Council that the Palestinians would seek to "rectify the malfunction that occurred" in Geneva when the Human Rights Council met on Thursday and Friday.

The New York Times

They seek to rectify a 4-0 loss to the Blue Jackets on Oct. 28, perhaps their worst so far.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The unfairness the "Buffet Rule" seeks to rectify would only get worse.

The Economist

For a decade, it has sought to rectify that imbalance, but it has hit many obstacles.

The Economist

As such he's the last resort for those seeking to rectify injustice.

The New York Times - Magazine

The strongest of the administration's proposed reforms — a Consumer Financial Protection Agency — seeks to rectify that regulatory failure.

The New York Times

It had been sought to rectify some of the current system's oddities.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seek to rectify" when you want to convey a formal and intentional effort to correct a specific problem or deficiency. This phrase is particularly effective in professional or academic contexts where precision and a commitment to improvement are valued.

Common error

Avoid using "seek to rectify" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "try to fix" or "aim to resolve" are more appropriate for everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek to rectify" functions as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the intention behind an action. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts, signaling an effort to correct or improve a situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seek to rectify" is a phrase used to express the intention to correct or improve a situation, particularly in formal contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct. It appears most frequently in news and media and scientific sources, with a less common presence in formal business settings. While the phrase is valid and understood, it's essential to consider the context and choose simpler alternatives like "try to fix" or "aim to resolve" for casual communication. When writing, it's advisable to reserve "seek to rectify" for professional or academic settings to maintain an appropriate level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to correct

Focuses on the action of correcting, implying a more direct approach to fixing something.

strive to amend

Emphasizes the effort and dedication involved in making improvements.

aim to resolve

Suggests a focus on finding a solution to a problem or conflict.

try to fix

Offers a more informal way to express the intention to repair or correct something.

endeavor to remedy

Implies a more formal and systematic approach to correcting a defect or problem.

work to improve

Highlights the ongoing effort to make something better, without necessarily implying a previous error.

take steps to correct

Suggests a series of actions aimed at fixing an issue in a deliberate manner.

make an effort to adjust

Focuses on the exertion of energy to modify something to a more desirable state.

undertake to redress

Implies a formal obligation or commitment to correct a wrong or injustice.

move to right

Suggests a proactive stance towards resolving an undesirable situation, often associated with social and justice issues.

FAQs

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

You can use "seek to rectify" to indicate an attempt to correct something wrong or to improve a situation. For example, "The company will seek to rectify the errors in the financial report" or "The government is seeking to rectify social inequalities".

What can I say instead of "seek to rectify"?

You can use alternatives like "attempt to correct", "strive to amend", or "aim to resolve" depending on the context.

Is "seek to rectify" formal or informal?

"Seek to rectify" is generally considered a formal phrase. It is often used in professional, academic, and official contexts. In informal settings, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

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

"Seek to rectify" implies a more formal and intentional effort to correct a problem, often in official or professional contexts. "Try to fix" is more informal and suggests a less structured approach to resolving an issue.