seeking to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seeking to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a desire or intention to achieve a certain state or condition. Example: "She is seeking to be recognized for her contributions to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

DIY is seeking to be like a Boy Scout troop for the modern day.

The New York Times

We are not seeking to be drawn into wars in the Middle East.

Independent

In legal terms, they are seeking to be made a "core participant" in the inquiry.

The Guardian

Seeking to be practical, he applied his "partial equilibrium analysis" to particular markets and industries.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He is seeking to be paid for two years' worth of salary.

The New York Times - Sports

Today, Mr. Erdogan is seeking to be a global spokesman for Muslim values.

The New York Times

But then he is not seeking to be balanced and reasonable.

The Guardian - Books

"It's their negligence that's at issue, and now they're seeking to be paid".

The New York Times

One of those faulty narratives was reaffirmed by someone seeking to be their commander-in-chief.

The Guardian

At least 30% of those seeking to be recognized must have signed cards.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Churchill, seeking to be reinstated to his tenured position, is expected to testify on Monday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seeking to be", ensure that the intended state or quality is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "He is seeking to be", specify what he is seeking to be, like "He is seeking to be a leader".

Common error

While "seeking to be" is acceptable in various settings, avoid overusing it in overly formal documents where more precise or sophisticated language might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives such as "aiming to be" or "intending to become" for a stronger impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seeking to be" functions as a gerund phrase followed by an infinitive. It indicates an active pursuit or intent toward achieving a specific state or condition. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and can be used to express the desire or intention to achieve a certain state or condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seeking to be" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing a desire or active effort to achieve a specific state or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. While broadly applicable, it's best to ensure clarity and avoid overuse in overly formal settings, where alternatives like "aiming to be" or "intending to become" might be more suitable. Remember to define the intended state clearly when using this phrase. It appears frequently in News & Media. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "seeking to be" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aiming to be

Implies a specific target or goal, suggesting a more direct intent.

intending to be

Focuses on the planned or purposed future state.

striving to be

Highlights effort and dedication towards achieving a certain state.

aspiring to be

Suggests ambition and a long-term goal.

attempting to be

Focuses on the act of trying, potentially implying uncertainty of success.

endeavoring to be

Implies a serious and determined effort.

looking to be

Suggests an active but exploratory approach towards achieving a goal.

trying to become

A more straightforward and less formal way of expressing the same idea.

desiring to be

Emphasizes the wish or longing for a particular state.

wishing to be

Expresses a hope or desire, often implying it may be unrealistic.

FAQs

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

The phrase "seeking to be" is used to express an active effort or intention toward achieving a certain state or role. For example: "The organization is "seeking to be" a leader in sustainable practices."

What are some alternatives to "seeking to be"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "aiming to be", "striving to be", or "attempting to be". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to use "seeking to be" or "trying to be"?

"Seeking to be" generally carries a slightly more formal tone than "trying to be". While both are acceptable, "seeking to be" implies a more deliberate and considered effort.

What's the difference between "seeking to be" and "wanting to be"?

"Seeking to be" suggests an active pursuit and effort, whereas "wanting to be" expresses a desire without necessarily implying action. For example, someone "seeking to be" a doctor is actively studying and working towards that goal, while someone "wanting to be" a doctor may only have the desire without taking concrete steps.