seeking to do something

USAGE SUMMARY

"seeking to do something" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's goal, motive, or intention. For example, "The students were seeking to improve their grades in the class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

I was not imparting a profound insight or seeking to do something novel or unusual.

The New York Times

But Sandberg is seeking to do something different: to enact social change.

The Guardian

The government are certainly committed to seeking to do something about that.

The Guardian

Now, belatedly, European financiers are seeking to do something about it but they are running into big obstacles.

The Economist

They're seeking to do something good amidst all the detritus around them, and they're aware of how badly they've screwed it up.

The New York Times

"I give the board at that time a lot of credit for having great ambitions and for seeking to do something that was not ordinary.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

He sought to do something more truthful and difficult.

The Guardian - Books

Jonathan Waxman's ITALIAN, MY WAY (Simon & Schuster, $32), seeks to do something similar for Italian cuisine.

The New York Times - Books

"This bill seeks to do something very profound indeed," he said.

The Guardian

Still, even as marketers seek "to do something to break through," Mr. Tenny said, "the bounds of good taste" ought not to be overstepped.

The New York Times

We should all be ashamed that we live in a world like this, and seek to do something to change it.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seeking to do something", ensure the context clearly defines the goal or action being pursued. Providing specific details enhances the clarity and impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "seeking to do something" without specifying the desired outcome or action. Ambiguity can weaken your message and confuse your audience. Instead of saying "They are seeking to do something", be specific, such as "They are seeking to improve customer satisfaction".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seeking to do something" functions as an infinitive phrase that typically modifies a verb or noun, indicating the purpose or intent behind an action. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seeking to do something" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey the intention or active pursuit of a goal. Ludwig AI affirms its acceptability in written English. While it's appropriate for various contexts, including news and general communication, specifying the goal enhances clarity. Be aware of potential vagueness and ensure your writing is specific when using this phrase. Alternatives like "attempting to achieve something" or "aiming to accomplish something" can provide nuanced meanings depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempting to achieve something

Focuses on the attempt or effort made towards a goal.

aiming to accomplish something

Highlights the intention and direction towards a specific accomplishment.

endeavoring to undertake something

Emphasizes a more formal and determined effort to start something.

trying to make something happen

Suggests a more direct and active approach to causing an event.

working towards a specific goal

Highlights the continuous effort and progress made over time.

pursuing a particular objective

Focuses on actively following or striving for a defined objective.

striving to attain something

Emphasizes the effort and struggle involved in reaching a desired outcome.

intending to perform a task

Highlights the plan or purpose behind carrying out a specific action.

setting out to accomplish something

Implies a deliberate and planned start towards achieving a specific target.

looking to initiate something

Suggests a proactive stance with the desire to begin or start an action.

FAQs

How can I use "seeking to do something" in a sentence?

Use "seeking to do something" to describe someone's intention or effort to achieve a specific action or goal. For example, "The company is seeking to expand its market share".

What are some alternatives to "seeking to do something"?

You can use alternatives like "attempting to achieve something", "aiming to accomplish something", or "endeavoring to undertake something" depending on the context.

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

"Seeking to do something" implies a more active and purposeful pursuit, while "wanting to do something" simply expresses a desire without necessarily implying action. Seeking suggests effort and intent.

Is "seeking to do something" formal or informal?

"Seeking to do something" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very informal settings, simpler alternatives like "trying to" or "looking to" might be more suitable.