seeking to answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seeking to answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the intention or goal of finding a solution or response to a question or problem. Example: "The researchers are seeking to answer the question of how climate change affects biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Hytner didn't mess around in seeking to answer it.

The Guardian

Just why gravity is so weak is one of the questions the Large Hadron Collider is seeking to answer.

The Guardian

In seeking to answer that eternal question of nature versus nurture – does our upbringing shape us or do our genes?

The Guardian

"I don't know of that link," Ms. Harman said, adding that the investigation was seeking to answer that question.

The New York Times

In seeking to answer questions regarding the balance of environmental versus gene-based influences, a bit of eye-glazing prose is in order.

The New York Times

It's a question that Morris's collaborators are seeking to answer, by studying the potential barriers and facilitators of country-wide stroke unit reconfiguration.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

These are the questions this survey will seek to answer.

The Economist

That is what they will seek to answer," Brough said.

The Guardian

That's really the central question that we seek to answer with our forecast models.

The New York Times

The question it sought to answer was, when should countries adopt a common currency?

The New York Times

The research raises as many questions as it seeks to answer, as the scientists readily acknowledge.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seeking to answer" to introduce a specific question or problem that is being addressed through investigation or research. For example, "The study is "seeking to answer" the question of whether this new treatment is effective."

Common error

Avoid using "seeking to answer" in very casual or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "trying to answer" or "looking to answer" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seeking to answer" functions as a gerund phrase that typically introduces a question or problem that is the subject of investigation or research. It acts as a verbal functioning as a noun, often modifying a verb or noun related to inquiry or problem-solving. Ludwig AI validates this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seeking to answer" is a grammatically sound gerund phrase frequently used to introduce questions or problems that are being investigated. Ludwig confirms its correctness and common usage across various domains. It's prevalent in both News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While "seeking to answer" is a standard way to frame inquiries, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate in informal settings. Remember to use this phrase when precision and a formal tone are desired, and consider context when choosing between "seeking to answer" and its many related alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

striving to answer

Emphasizes the effort and determination involved in finding an answer.

aiming to answer

Highlights the intention and goal of providing an answer.

attempting to answer

Focuses on the act of trying to find an answer, regardless of success.

trying to answer

Similar to 'attempting', but implies a more casual or less formal effort.

endeavoring to answer

Suggests a more formal and earnest effort to provide an answer.

working to answer

Emphasizes the process and effort being put into finding a solution.

investigating to answer

Implies a more detailed and systematic approach to finding an answer.

researching to answer

Similar to 'investigating', but focuses specifically on research-based efforts.

exploring to answer

Suggests a more open-ended and exploratory approach to finding an answer.

pursuing an answer

Focuses on the active pursuit and search for a solution or response.

FAQs

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

Use "seeking to answer" to introduce a question or problem that is being investigated or researched. For example, "The research team is "seeking to answer" questions about the impact of social media on mental health."

What are some alternatives to "seeking to answer"?

Alternatives include "striving to answer", "aiming to answer", or "attempting to answer" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "seeking to answer" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "seeking to answer" is more formal. In informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "trying to answer" or "looking to answer".

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

"Seeking to answer" implies a more deliberate and often research-oriented approach, while "trying to answer" suggests a more general attempt to find a solution.