seeking to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'seeking to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the intention of doing something. For example: We are seeking to provide our customers with the best service possible.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

— are seeking to promote growth.

The New York Times

"Marketers are seeking to tap into that".

The New York Times

Or in seeking to incorporate renewable energy?

The New York Times

"He is seeking to destabilize Turkey".

The New York Times

The coach seeking to prove himself.

The New York Times - Sports

Not Seeking to Contain China: Clinton".

The New York Times

Seeking to drown their own?

The New York Times

graduate students seeking to unionize.

The New York Times

I asked, seeking to provoke.

The New York Times - Magazine

We're not seeking to influence the elections".

The New Yorker

This pinkish sweater wasn't seeking to flatter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing efforts to achieve a long-term ambition or a complex goal, use "seeking to" to emphasize the ongoing nature of the endeavor.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "seeking to" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for alternatives like "trying to" or "looking to" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seeking to" functions primarily as an infinitive marker indicating purpose or intention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it connects a subject with the intended action, specifying what the subject is aiming to achieve. Examples across various contexts illustrate its role in expressing goals and objectives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seeking to" is a versatile phrase used to express intention or purpose, commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and useful for clearly articulating goals. While it's essential for formal communication, remember to consider less formal alternatives such as "trying to" or "aiming to" when a more casual tone is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intending to

Emphasizes the planned or purposed nature of the action.

looking to

Similar to "seeking to" but can also imply an expectation of finding something.

aiming to

Suggests a specific target or objective is being pursued.

striving to

Indicates a persistent and dedicated effort toward a goal.

attempting to

Focuses more on the act of trying, potentially implying a challenge.

desiring to

Emphasizes a wish or longing to achieve a specific outcome.

planning to

Implies a prior arrangement or strategy for the action.

pursuing

Highlights the act of following or striving towards a goal.

working to

Focuses on the effort and actions taken to achieve something.

trying to

A more informal and general way of expressing an intention.

FAQs

How can I use "seeking to" in a sentence?

Use "seeking to" to express the intention or purpose behind an action. For instance, "The company is seeking to expand its market share" indicates the company's goal is to increase its presence in the market.

What are some alternatives to "seeking to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "aiming to", "trying to", or "intending to" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "seeking to" formal or informal?

"Seeking to" tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, consider using phrases like "looking to" or simply "trying to".

What's the difference between "seeking to" and "trying to"?

While both express an attempt to achieve something, "seeking to" often implies a more deliberate and strategic approach, whereas "trying to" is more general and can suggest a less structured effort.