seeking to discover

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seeking to discover" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a desire or intention to find out more about something or to learn new information. Example: "The researchers are seeking to discover the underlying causes of the disease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

The commissioner recommended that judges should approve communications data requests in cases where officers are seeking to discover journalists' sources.

The Guardian

"They've taken a proactive approach in seeking to discover both what happened and how it could have happened," he said.

The New York Times

This week, New York City becomes a playground for music industry tourists seeking to discover bands about to 'break through'.

The Guardian - Music

"His image was already present somewhere in my head, & I was seeking to discover him in reality, searching every face for the right face".

The New Yorker

The letter was released by the American Civil Liberties Union, which obtained it in a civil lawsuit seeking to discover the extent of military abuse of prisoners.

The New York Times

The department blamed "temporary" technical problems on the unexpected level of demand from residents seeking to discover the levels of crime and antisocial behaviour in their area.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Under this method, a scientist seeks to discover an observed exception to his postulated rule.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Finding the source of the problem in oppression, her dance seeks to discover remedies through art.

The New Yorker

The magistrates seek to discover whether Mr. Strauss-Kahn might have known of any such payments.

The New York Times

Among many who sought to discover profound meanings in the text was Dong Zhongshu (c. 179 c.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Christopher Snow seeks to discover why children in his hometown keep disappearing.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seeking to discover" when you want to emphasize an active and intentional effort to find out or learn something new. It is suitable for formal and academic writing.

Common error

While "seeking to discover" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "trying to find out" or "looking for" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seeking to discover" functions as a verbal phrase expressing purpose or intent. It combines the present participle of "seek" with the infinitive "to discover", indicating an active effort to find or learn something new. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seeking to discover" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that indicates an active and intentional effort to find information or understand something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for formal and academic writing, although simpler alternatives may be preferred in casual contexts. Analysis of usage patterns reveals that it frequently appears in News & Media and Science contexts, with a neutral to formal register. Related phrases, such as "aiming to uncover" or "striving to ascertain", offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific intent. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register, writers can effectively use "seeking to discover" to convey a sense of active inquiry and deliberate investigation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aiming to uncover

Focuses on revealing something previously hidden or unknown.

striving to ascertain

Emphasizes the effort to find something out for certain.

endeavoring to determine

Highlights an attempt to establish something definitively.

attempting to identify

Focuses on recognizing or establishing what something is.

working to reveal

Emphasizes the effort to make something known.

trying to expose

Highlights an attempt to bring something hidden to light.

looking to find

A more straightforward and general way to express the act of searching.

exploring to learn

Indicates an investigative approach to gaining knowledge.

searching to understand

Focuses on gaining comprehension through active search.

pursuing to clarify

Highlights an active effort to make something clearer.

FAQs

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

You can use "seeking to discover" to describe an active attempt to find information or understand something. For example: "The researchers are seeking to discover the causes of the disease".

What are some alternatives to "seeking to discover"?

Alternatives include "aiming to uncover", "striving to ascertain", or "trying to expose", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "seeking to discover" or "trying to discover"?

"Seeking to discover" is more formal and emphasizes a deliberate effort, while "trying to discover" is more general and can imply a less structured approach. The best choice depends on the context and your desired tone.

What's the difference between "seeking to discover" and "seeking to explore"?

"Seeking to discover" implies a search for something previously unknown, while "seeking to explore" suggests a more open-ended investigation. The choice depends on whether you're looking for specific answers or broadly investigating a topic.