seek to secure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seek to secure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing an intention or effort to obtain or achieve something, often in a formal or legal context. Example: "The organization seeks to secure funding for its new community project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

David Ford, the Alliance party leader and the preferred choice for justice minister of the first and deputy first minister, said he will seek to secure the principle that the security services exchange secret information on the armed republican terror groups with the police.

The Guardian

Private sector financiers, naturally, seek to secure their interest in space equipment.

Acta Astronautica

The reform will concentrate more effort on the unskilled and seek to secure longer-lasting employment.

The Economist

Much is at stake as we seek to secure this recovery and return inflation to target".

The Guardian - Business

However, it is understood cash-strapped Bologna are stalling as they seek to secure a loan against the repayments.

Independent

Successive governments seek to secure their legacy by launching a soundbite pension product which is seen as a cure-all.

Independent

The Welsh club could potentially seek to secure Jonathan Williams from Palace as part of any deal.

The Guardian - Sport

Still, major uncertainties remain as administrators seek to secure a more viable financial plan and decide from among five groups bidding to purchase the club.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

seeking to secure his mandatory position.

The New York Times - Sports

The same day, 17 other Canadian funds sought to secure bank credit-lines.

The Economist

Once she became of marriageable age, her father sought to secure her a sound financial match.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seek to secure", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being sought and what measures are being taken to achieve it.

Common error

While versatile, "seek to secure" can sound overly formal in casual writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "try to get" or "aim for" in less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek to secure" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose or intent. It typically follows a subject and verb, indicating what the subject is attempting to achieve. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seek to secure" is a versatile phrase used to express a deliberate attempt to achieve a specific goal. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is considered grammatically correct. It appears frequently in news, business, and academic contexts, lending itself well to formal and professional communication. While versatile, it's important to consider the register and opt for simpler alternatives in informal settings. The phrase functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose and intent, conveying a sense of determination and strategic planning. Alternative phrases include "aim to ensure" and "strive to attain".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aim to ensure

Emphasizes the intention to guarantee a specific outcome.

strive to attain

Highlights the effort and dedication involved in achieving a goal.

endeavor to obtain

Suggests a more formal and earnest attempt to gain something.

work towards achieving

Focuses on the process and progress made in reaching a target.

try to acquire

Implies an attempt to gain possession of something, often tangible.

pursue to guarantee

Highlights the proactive approach taken to ensure an outcome.

attempt to gain

Indicates a simple effort to get something, without necessarily succeeding.

look to establish

Focuses on setting up or creating something stable or lasting.

desire to guarantee

Emphasizes a strong wish to ensure something happens.

plan to lock in

Suggests securing something in a firm or unchangeable manner.

FAQs

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

You can use "seek to secure" to express an intention to obtain or achieve something. For example: "The company will seek to secure funding for its expansion."

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

Alternatives include "aim to ensure", "strive to attain", or "endeavor to obtain" depending on the context.

Is "seek to secure" formal or informal?

"Seek to secure" leans towards the formal side. In informal contexts, simpler phrases like "try to get" might be more appropriate.

When is it best to use "seek to secure" over other alternatives?

Use "seek to secure" when you want to emphasize a deliberate and strategic effort to achieve a specific goal, often in a professional or formal setting. It is more emphatic than a simple 'try'.