seeks

USAGE SUMMARY

'seeks' is a perfectly correct and usable word in written English.
It is an action verb which is used to describe something which is being searched for or pursued. For example, "The company seeks new investors to fund its expansion plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Business

Lifestyle

Politics

Environment

Sport

Opinion

Music

Books

Society

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their company, Peppermongers, seeks out the stuff that actually makes your lips tingle, selling it alongside a range of other peppery spices.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A country party should be able to stand up in a cabinet that seeks to make young unemployed people apply for 40 jobs a month in towns that are lucky to have one job vacancy in that time.

The Guardian

The designer also seeks to challenge a world still using 50s techniques, where a dress takes weeks to make and an atelier's petite mains, or seamstresses, slave over sequins.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The new study, the largest of its kind to be published around the 2015 election, shows again the challenges thrown up by the result for Labour as the party seeks to win back Ukip voters in the north without alienating its base of BAME supporters.

The Guardian

The Heartland Institute says it is a non-profit organisation that seeks to promote "free-market solutions" to social and economic problems.

The Guardian

Gatiss recognises that Wells was writing an allegory of imperialism: Bedford seeks to colonise the moon and plunder it for its vast deposits of gold, while Cavor, a naive man of science, seeks only knowledge.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

For the younger generation who the Pinochet Foundation seeks to court, Facebook has become the new seat of debate.

The Guardian

GlaxoSmithKline has appointed investment banks to advise on a potential part-flotation of its HIV division as the drugmaker seeks to move on from a gruelling year in 2014.

The Guardian - Business

The Green Solution House (doubles from £117 B&B), which opened in April, seeks to imitate natural systems by using reusable and biodegradable materials.

The Guardian - Travel

Garry Monk says he "wants to add quality to the quality we already have" as he seeks to build on this season's eighth-place finish.

The Guardian - Sport

The only time Valchek appears to hold back is when Herc seeks advice after inadvertently catching Royce getting a blowjob from his secretary.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seeks", ensure the object of the search is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify what the subject "seeks", such as "knowledge", "approval", or "solutions".

Common error

Avoid using "seeks" in passive voice constructions where the active voice would be more direct and clear. Instead of "Information is sought by the committee", prefer "The committee seeks information".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "seeks" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object to complete its meaning, indicating what is being searched for or pursued. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and wide application in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

14%

Opinion

8%

Less common in

Sport

6%

Lifestyle

6%

Books

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seeks" functions as a transitive verb expressing the action of searching or pursuing something, predominantly found in neutral to formal contexts, such as news, business, and academic writing. As Ludwig AI validates, it's a grammatically sound and frequently used term. When using "seeks", clarity is key; clearly define what is being sought to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "pursues", "attempts to find", and "strives for". Avoid passive constructions for clearer and more direct communication. This comprehensive guide highlights best practices, common errors, and semantic nuances, making it an invaluable resource for refining your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is trying to find

Replaces "seeks" with a more straightforward and less formal expression of the same idea.

pursues

Implies a continued effort over time to achieve a goal, emphasizing the active following of a path.

is in search of

Replaces "seeks" with a more descriptive phrase, emphasizing the act of looking for something.

attempts to find

Replaces "seeks" with a more explicit description of the action, emphasizing the effort involved in the search.

aims to acquire

Highlights the intention to get or gain something, adding a sense of purpose.

works towards

Focuses on the effort and progress made in achieving a goal, emphasizing the step-by-step approach.

looks to secure

Emphasizes the desire for certainty and stability, adding a sense of safety or protection.

endeavors to obtain

Indicates a serious and determined effort to gain something, adding a layer of formality.

strives for

Focuses on the effort and ambition to achieve a goal, highlighting the aspirational aspect.

desires to locate

Indicates a strong wish to find something, adding a layer of formality and intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "seeks" in a sentence?

You can use "seeks" to describe the act of searching or striving for something. For example, "The company "seeks" new opportunities for growth" or "The researcher "seeks" to understand the cause of the disease".

What are some alternatives to "seeks"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "pursues", "attempts to find", or "strives for" to express a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "seeks for"?

While "seek" can be followed by a preposition, using "seeks for" is generally redundant. It's better to simply use "seeks" followed by the object of the search. For example, say "He "seeks" knowledge" instead of "He "seeks" for knowledge".

What's the difference between "seeks" and "desires"?

"Seeks" implies an active effort to find or obtain something, while "desires" simply indicates a wish or longing. You "seek" solutions through research, but you "desire" happiness.