seeking to acquire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seeking to acquire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing the intention or desire to obtain something, whether it be knowledge, skills, assets, or other resources. Example: "The company is seeking to acquire new technologies to enhance its product offerings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Iran has denied ever seeking to acquire atomic bombs.

The Washington Post

We also believe that bin Laden was seeking to acquire or develop a nuclear device.

The New York Times

The rumors followed persistent speculation about Daimler's seeking to acquire the automobile business of Fiat.

The New York Times

They have an important role in providing mentorship for clinical trainees seeking to acquire research skills.

Stanford University

Today only a few states appear to be actively seeking to acquire nuclear weapons.

Yale University

Credible reports that it is seeking to acquire more powers surfaced this week.

The Guardian - Money

In seeking to acquire Illumina, Roche is looking to bolster its presence in the area of genetic sequencing.

The New York Times

In each case an industry leader was seeking to acquire a firm in a weak competitive position, fighting for survival.

The Economist

In seeking to acquire Illumina, Roche is looking to bolster its presence in the increasingly important area of genetic sequencing.

The New York Times

Comcast is seeking to acquire a 51 percent stake in NBC Universal General Electricc will hold the remaining 49 percent.

The New York Times

It is a storehouse of ancient material, and it became a fundamental work for poets seeking to acquire polish.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "seeking to acquire", consider the active voice to make your writing more direct. For example, instead of "Information is being sought to be acquired by the company", write "The company is seeking to acquire information."

Common error

Be mindful not to use "seeking to acquire" when a simpler verb like "seeking" or "acquiring" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound verbose and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seeking to acquire" functions as a verb phrase often used to describe the active pursuit or intention of obtaining something. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It connects a subject with their objective, as seen in examples like "Iran has denied ever seeking to acquire atomic bombs."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seeking to acquire" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey a deliberate effort to obtain something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academic, and Encyclopedia contexts, it maintains a formal to neutral tone. When writing, ensure the phrase adds value by clarifying intent, and avoid redundancy. Consider alternatives like "attempting to obtain" or "aiming to secure" to add nuance where appropriate. This phrase is particularly useful in formal writing where precision and clarity are paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempting to obtain

Focuses on the effort being made to get something.

trying to procure

Highlights the effort to secure something, often something difficult to obtain.

aiming to secure

Emphasizes the goal of making something certain or safe.

looking to gain

Suggests an expectation of benefit from the acquisition.

intending to procure

Similar to "trying to procure" but suggests a more deliberate plan.

desiring to obtain

Emphasizes the want or wish to get something.

pursuing the purchase of

Specifically relates to buying something.

working towards securing

Focuses on the ongoing effort to achieve the acquisition.

endeavoring to attain

Implies a serious or determined effort to reach a goal.

setting out to get

Suggests initiating an action to obtain something

FAQs

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

Use "seeking to acquire" to indicate an effort to obtain something. For example: "The company is "seeking to acquire" new technologies" or "The student is "seeking to acquire" knowledge."

What are some alternatives to "seeking to acquire"?

You can use alternatives such as "attempting to obtain", "aiming to secure", or "trying to procure" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "seeking to acquire"?

It's appropriate to use "seeking to acquire" in formal contexts where you want to emphasize a deliberate and purposeful effort to gain something, such as in business, academic, or legal writing.

What is the difference between "seeking to acquire" and "trying to acquire"?

"Seeking to acquire" suggests a more formal and intentional effort, while "trying to acquire" implies a less certain or more experimental approach. The choice depends on the tone and context of your writing; use "seeking to acquire" when you want to sound more professional.