seek to understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'seek to understand' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase whenever you want to indicate that someone is taking steps to understand a particular concept, idea, or situation. For example, "Don't make an opinion about the controversial topic until you seek to understand it better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

I seek to understand things I don't understand".

The New York Times

Above all, seek to understand, engage and only then, influence.

The Guardian

"In the long term, we seek to understand intelligence and make intelligent machines.

The Guardian - Tech

But, while condemning, the left should seek to understand why the right has gained such ground.

The Guardian - Money

If you seek to understand what ails Steven, the person to ask is Agamemnon.

The New Yorker

It means you seek to understand others and they understand you.

The Guardian

We constantly seek to understand our children in reference to ourselves.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The initiative will seek to understand the complex causes of urban violence and find practical solutions.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

We seek to understand the stability of a particular nanoparticle structure of a certain size.

Geochemical Transactions

Instead, pause and seek to understand the other side.

Huffington Post

Seek to understand what insight is.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seek to understand" in persuasive writing, follow it with specific examples or explanations to demonstrate your genuine effort to comprehend the opposing viewpoint.

Common error

Avoid using "seek to understand" in overly abstract or philosophical contexts without grounding it in concrete actions or specific areas of inquiry. Overuse can make your writing seem vague and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek to understand" functions primarily as an infinitive phrase that often acts as a verbal, expressing an action or state of pursuing knowledge or comprehension. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is used in varied contexts, highlighting its versatility in conveying the act of attempting to grasp something intellectually.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Wiki

23%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seek to understand" is a versatile and commonly used expression that encourages active pursuit of knowledge and comprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to science and general writing. The phrase emphasizes empathy, critical thinking, and constructive dialogue. While it is generally appropriate, it's best to provide concrete examples and avoid overly abstract applications. Alternatives like "strive for understanding" or "endeavor to comprehend" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strive for understanding

Replaces "seek" with "strive", suggesting a more active and effortful pursuit of understanding.

endeavor to comprehend

Substitutes "seek" with "endeavor" and "understand" with "comprehend", adding a more formal tone.

aim to grasp

Uses "aim" instead of "seek" and "grasp" instead of "understand", implying an attempt to seize or capture understanding.

work to appreciate

Replaces "understand" with "appreciate", suggesting a deeper level of comprehension that includes valuing the subject.

make an effort to understand

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the effort involved in understanding.

try to figure out

Offers a more informal alternative, replacing "seek to understand" with a colloquial expression.

be intent on understanding

Emphasizes the intention or purpose behind the act of understanding.

aspire to understand

Replaces "seek" with "aspire", indicating a higher level of ambition in achieving understanding.

desire a comprehension of

Expresses a wish or longing for understanding, rather than an active pursuit.

pursue knowledge of

Focuses on the pursuit of knowledge as a means to achieve understanding.

FAQs

What does "seek to understand" mean?

The phrase "seek to understand" means to make an effort to comprehend or grasp a particular concept, situation, or another person's perspective. It implies an active attempt to gain knowledge and insight.

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

You can use "seek to understand" to express the importance of trying to comprehend something before forming an opinion or making a judgment. For example, "Before criticizing their actions, "seek to understand" their motives."

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

You can use alternatives like "strive for understanding", "endeavor to comprehend", or "aim to grasp" depending on the context.

Is it better to "seek to understand" or to immediately offer solutions?

In many situations, especially when dealing with complex problems or interpersonal conflicts, it's often more effective to "seek to understand" the underlying issues before attempting to offer solutions. Understanding the problem first can lead to more effective and appropriate solutions.