seeking to return

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seeking to return" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a desire or intention to go back to a previous state, place, or situation. Example: "After years of living abroad, she is now seeking to return to her hometown."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both are seeking to return to children their childhood.

The Guardian

He is seeking to return to the league.

The New York Times - Sports

Netanyahu is seeking to return to power in Tuesday's election.

The Guardian

Those lawsuits are seeking to return Texas to federal "preclearance" oversight.

The New York Times

Mr. Strauss-Kahn has been seeking to return to public life in recent months.

The New York Times

The program was designed to assist homeless people who were voluntarily seeking to return to their home communities.

Evaluation and Program Planning

As the caliphate disintegrates, its foreign jihadis are now seeking to return home.

The New Yorker

Talk of McDonnell seeking to return Britain to the 1970s misses the point.

The Guardian - Opinion

Women seeking to return to work after child-rearing are also ineligible, even though contributions were paid before leaving work.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr Menem is now seeking to return to power in April's election.Mr Duhalde tried to get the court impeached.

The Economist

The museum is seeking to return the Peking to Hamburg, Germany, where it was launched, she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seeking to return", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is returning to, whether it's a place, state, or condition. For instance, "The politician is seeking to return to power" clarifies the objective.

Common error

Avoid using "seeking to return" without specifying the destination or state. Ambiguous statements like "He is seeking to return" lack clarity. Always clarify: "He is seeking to return home", for example.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seeking to return" functions as a gerund phrase, typically used as part of a larger verb phrase to indicate an ongoing effort or intention to revert to a previous state, position, or location. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seeking to return" is a versatile and frequently used expression that conveys an active intention to revert to a previous state or place. Grammatically sound and widely applicable, it appears across various contexts, from news reports to scientific articles. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While alternatives like "desiring to revert" or "aiming to come back" exist, "seeking to return" provides a clear and concise way to express a proactive desire for reversion. When using the phrase, it's crucial to clarify the objective to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intending to revert

Similar to desiring, but more about intention.

desiring to revert

Emphasizes a strong wish or longing to return to a former state or place.

attempting to go back

Highlights the effort or attempt being made to return.

aiming to come back

Focuses on the intention and purpose of returning.

planning to return

Highlights the planning and preparation for a return.

looking to go back

A more casual way of expressing the desire to return.

hoping to come back

Expresses a sense of hope and anticipation for a return.

striving to get back

More focus on effort and difficulties to overcome.

yearning to return

Highlights a deep longing or emotional desire to return.

endeavoring to revert

A more formal and determined effort to revert.

FAQs

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

You can use "seeking to return" to describe someone or something trying to revert to a previous state, place, or condition. For example, "The company is seeking to return to profitability" or "The athlete is seeking to return to the top of his game".

What are some alternatives to "seeking to return"?

Alternatives include "desiring to revert", "attempting to go back", or "aiming to come back", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Seeking to return" implies a deliberate effort and intention, while "trying to return" suggests an attempt that may or may not be successful. The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. They can often be used interchangeably, but "seeking" adds a layer of intentionality.

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

"Seeking to return" implies an active pursuit and effort to revert to a previous state or place. "Wanting to return" simply expresses a desire, without necessarily implying active steps are being taken. The former suggests intention plus action, while the latter is purely about desire.