seeking to understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seeking to understand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a desire or effort to gain knowledge or insight about a particular subject or situation. Example: "In our discussions, we are seeking to understand the underlying issues that have led to the current conflict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have spent six years seeking to understand.

The New York Times

Because it's surely a waste of money seeking to understand the society we're trying to change.

The New York Times

They're seeking to understand brands more, to understand what sits behind the brand.

The New York Times

It's usually led by a protagonist who is seeking to understand something complicated.

The Guardian

McMaster himself once observed that, in seeking to understand historical events, "you cannot neglect the personalities".

The New Yorker

Science amoralizes the world by seeking to understand phenomena rather than pass judgment on them.

The New York Times

A number of researchers are seeking to understand the link between immune disorders and sex hormones.

The New York Times - Health

It is a juicy topic for students seeking to understand themselves and the world.

The New York Times

And, worst of all, he does Christianity the compliment of first seeking to understand it.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Our process began with seeking to understand what women did and didn't eat while pregnant.

The Guardian

That's important for researchers who are seeking to understand how space travel might affect astronauts's DNA.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seeking to understand" to convey a proactive and intentional effort to gain knowledge or insight, especially in complex or challenging situations. For instance, instead of saying "trying to know", you can say "seeking to understand".

Common error

While "seeking to understand" is generally appropriate, avoid using it in contexts where a simpler phrase like "trying to understand" or "wanting to know" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seeking to understand" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a subject complement or part of a verb phrase. It indicates an ongoing action or process of trying to gain knowledge or insight. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seeking to understand" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express a proactive effort to gain knowledge or insight. As Ludwig AI points out, it's suitable across a wide range of contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. While highly prevalent, it's best to avoid overuse in very simple contexts where more direct language suffices. Alternatives like "striving to understand" or "attempting to comprehend" can provide subtle variations in meaning. The phrase's high frequency and widespread use in authoritative sources confirm its validity and usefulness in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

striving to understand

Focuses on the effort and dedication involved in the process.

attempting to comprehend

Emphasizes the effort to fully grasp the meaning.

endeavoring to grasp

Highlights a determined effort to seize understanding.

trying to figure out

More informal, suggesting an exploratory approach to understanding.

working to appreciate

Implies understanding includes valuing and recognizing the importance of something.

aiming to decipher

Suggests an effort to uncover hidden or complex meanings.

exploring to learn

Highlights the investigative aspect of gaining understanding.

digging deep to know

Indicates an intensive search for profound knowledge.

in pursuit of insight

Focuses on the goal of achieving a deeper understanding.

determined to unravel

Highlights resolving complexities to reach complete comprehension.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "seeking to understand" in a sentence?

Use "seeking to understand" to introduce a desire to learn more about a subject, especially when the topic is complex. For example, "Researchers are "seeking to understand" the effects of climate change."

What are some alternatives to "seeking to understand"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "striving to understand", "attempting to comprehend", or simply "trying to understand".

Is it more appropriate to use "seeking to understand" or "trying to understand"?

"Seeking to understand" often implies a more deliberate and thoughtful approach than "trying to understand". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality you want to convey.

In what situations is "seeking to understand" most appropriate?

This phrase is particularly suitable in academic, professional, or formal settings where a deep, thorough, and intentional pursuit of knowledge is being described. For instance, when discussing research, analysis, or complex problem-solving.