seeking to determine whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seeking to determine whether" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express the intention of investigating or finding out if something is true or applicable. Example: "The researchers are seeking to determine whether the new treatment is effective in reducing symptoms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Scientists only now are seeking to determine whether the notion is more romance than reality.

The New York Times

In the United States, federal investigators are seeking to determine whether Galea has provided performance-enhancing drugs to top athletes.

The New York Times - Sports

Federal authorities said they were still seeking to determine whether he served as a spy for the Iraqi insurgency.

The New York Times

It has key indicators for those seeking to determine whether someone is a victim of forced labour.

The Guardian

Mr. Davis said that the congressman was seeking to determine whether additional amendments to his disclosure forms were necessary.

The New York Times

"The inquiry is seeking to determine whether investors were properly informed of the risks that their investments might become illiquid," Mr. Galvin said in a statement.

The New York Times

The federal authorities are seeking to determine whether any of the clients were involved in the wiretapping case, the officials said.

The New York Times

Investigators are also seeking to determine whether the companies are manipulating prices to cheat the federal Medicaid and Medicare health programs.

The New York Times

Investigators were also seeking to determine whether Mrs. Lundgren had received any constituent mail from either of the state's two United States senators.

The New York Times

The woman had not been identified by yesterday evening, and the police were seeking to determine whether the woman had died at the spot or elsewhere.

The New York Times

Investigators had been seeking to determine whether the damage to the part was a cause of the crash or a result.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "seeking to determine whether" with simpler alternatives like "investigating whether" in less formal contexts for clarity and conciseness.

Common error

Avoid using "seeking to determine whether" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal and stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "finding out if" or "checking whether" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seeking to determine whether" functions as an introductory phrase setting up a question or inquiry. It is used to indicate the purpose of an investigation or analysis, as demonstrated by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seeking to determine whether" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to introduce an investigation or inquiry. Ludwig AI indicates that its primary function is to express an intent to investigate a specific question, particularly within formal and news-related contexts. While versatile, its formality may not be suitable for casual conversation, making it essential to consider the audience and writing style when selecting the best expression for the intended purpose. Reputable sources like The New York Times frequently employ the phrase, solidifying its place in formal language. When a less formal tone is desired, alternatives such as "investigating whether" or "trying to establish if" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

investigating whether

Emphasizes the act of investigating, replacing the more formal "seeking to determine".

attempting to ascertain if

Replaces "seeking to determine" with "attempting to ascertain", focusing on the effort to find something out. "Whether" is replaced with "if".

assessing if

Highlights the evaluation aspect, suggesting a careful judgment is being made. "Whether" is replaced with "if".

trying to establish if

Uses "trying to establish" instead of "seeking to determine", emphasizing the effort to prove something. "Whether" is replaced with "if".

endeavoring to learn whether

Replaces "seeking to determine" with "endeavoring to learn", which implies more effort and less certainty.

exploring if

Focuses on the exploratory nature of the inquiry, changing the tone slightly from determination to discovery. "Whether" is replaced with "if".

undertaking an inquiry to know if

Formalizes the investigation by calling it an "inquiry" and stating its purpose to "know". Replacing "whether" with "if".

aiming to clarify if

Shifts the focus to clarification, implying that the goal is to make something clearer. Replacing "whether" with "if".

examining to see if

Breaks down the process into examining and seeing, making it slightly less formal. Replacing "whether" with "if".

looking into whether

Uses a more colloquial term "looking into" which implies an informal investigation.

FAQs

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

Use "seeking to determine whether" to introduce an investigation or inquiry aimed at discovering if something is true or applicable. For example: "Investigators are seeking to determine whether the evidence supports the claim."

What are some alternatives to "seeking to determine whether"?

You can use alternatives like "investigating whether", "trying to establish if", or "attempting to ascertain if", depending on the context.

Is "seeking to determine whether" formal or informal?

"Seeking to determine whether" is generally considered a formal phrase suitable for professional, academic, or official contexts. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives are preferable.

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

"Seeking to determine whether" implies a more official or structured investigation, whereas "trying to determine whether" suggests a more general or informal attempt to find something out. The former is more formal in tone.