seeking to refine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seeking to refine" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing the intention or desire to improve or enhance something, such as a process, skill, or product. Example: "The team is seeking to refine their approach to customer service in order to better meet client needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

That at least raises the question of whether he was an active surveillance operative seeking to refine reconnaissance of targets that might be attacked in the United States in the future, one Western official said.

The New York Times

And England's Royal Society often sought knowledge using the tools of alchemy, seeking to refine, as one of Mr. Stephenson's characters puts it, the "base, dark, cold, essentially fecal matter of which the world was made" to produce quicksilver -- mercury -- "the pure living essence of God's power and presence in the world".

The New York Times - Books

Tougher customs rules to track the flow of the chemicals, manufactured in large quantities in both countries, have limited access for Bolivian traffickers seeking to refine the base cocaine into higher-value powder, said Gen. Roberto Uchõa, Brazil's national drug secretary.

The New York Times

Those seeking to refine these concepts will continue to do so.

International Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility

In this context, it is necessary to conduct further research seeking to refine the sample characteristics to establish intra and more homogeneous parameters between groups and thus further elucidate the effect of chronic alcohol use on visual perception of achromatic luminance contrast.

Psicologia: Reflexão e Crítica

Seeking to refine this treatment, Winston started vaporizing with a Ploom PAX.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But Mr. Owens has sought to refine the methods.

The New York Times

Trump has heavily criticised the Iran deal and, at times, threatened to dismantle it; however, his aides said he would only seek to refine it or negotiate it.

The Guardian

The effort would seek to refine organic waste, like corn fiber, manure, even saw dust, into a new kind of ethanol.

The New York Times

The Italian Football Federation has recently sought to refine the latter method, offering discounts to teams if they can identify ringleaders and ban them from the stadium.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Biden has sought to refine the original concept by emphasizing that his major point is the need for a decentralized federal system in Iraq.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seeking to refine" when you want to convey a sense of purpose and intention in improving something, whether it's a process, method, or skill.

Common error

Avoid using "seeking to refine" in overly passive constructions. Instead of saying 'Improvements are being sought to refine the process', opt for the active voice: 'The team is seeking to refine the process to improve efficiency.'

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seeking to refine" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It indicates the reason or aim behind an action, clarifying the intent to improve or perfect something that already exists. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seeking to refine" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that indicates the intention to improve something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most commonly found in science and news media contexts, where it serves to express a proactive approach toward optimization. While alternatives like "aiming to improve" or "striving to enhance" exist, "seeking to refine" suggests a focused effort on making something already good even better. When writing, be mindful of overusing passive voice and ensure the phrase aligns with the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeking to improve

A direct synonym, this alternative uses a more general term for enhancement.

attempting to refine

Highlights the trial-and-error nature of the improvement process.

aiming to improve

Focuses on the intention to make something better, emphasizing the goal rather than the process.

striving to enhance

Highlights the effort and dedication involved in making something more valuable or effective.

planning to enhance

Emphasizes the proactive and strategic nature of the improvement efforts.

working to perfect

Emphasizes the pursuit of flawlessness, suggesting a meticulous and detailed approach.

trying to perfect

Similar to 'working to perfect', but implies less certainty of success.

endeavoring to hone

Implies a process of sharpening or refining a skill or technique through focused effort.

intending to sharpen

Focuses on making something more precise or effective, like a tool or skill.

looking to polish

Suggests a focus on surface-level improvements and aesthetic appeal.

FAQs

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

You can use "seeking to refine" to express the intention to improve something. For example, "The company is "seeking to refine" its marketing strategy to reach a wider audience."

What are some alternatives to "seeking to refine"?

Alternatives include "aiming to improve", "striving to enhance", or "working to perfect", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "seeking to refine" or "seeking to improve"?

"Seeking to refine" implies a more focused effort on making something already good even better, while "seeking to improve" suggests a broader effort to address existing shortcomings. Choose the phrase that best reflects the specific context.

What does "seeking to refine" suggest about the current state of something?

Using "seeking to refine" implies that the subject is already functional or of a certain quality, but there is a desire or need to optimize it further for better performance or outcomes.