seeks to see

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seeks to see" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a desire or intention to understand or observe something. Example: "The researcher seeks to see the effects of the new treatment on patient recovery times."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Now, an innovative and ambitious follow-on trial seeks to see if it can build on its sister study.

Science Magazine

The question then is whether this doesn't beg the question in favor of a sort of retributive impulse that seeks to see the wrongdoer suffer before declaring that society and the wrongdoer are reconciled.

SEP

This includes a process of self inquiry that seeks to see and know with honesty, awareness, and a kind of focused self-accountability.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Today's result was a bitter blow to all who have sought to see Bout face trial.

The Guardian

And police investigators will seek to see if it adhered to patrol guidelines concerning the use of deadly force.

The New York Times

Red Cross officials said they would seek to see Mr. Walker, whom they consider a prisoner of war, without the soldiers present.

The New York Times

To seek to see oneself in a work of art is nothing new, nor is it new to enjoy the sensation.

The New Yorker

The first sought to see if the thick lead case holding an irradiated charge could be blown apart, in order to discharge.

The New York Times

The Guardian has been seeking to see 27 pieces of correspondence between the prince and ministers in seven government departments between September 2004 and April 2005.

The Guardian

"I can simply say that I seek to see the cold war on the Korean peninsula over by the end of my mandate," he said.

The New York Times

We won't seek to merge, as it were, but we'll seek to see the value in differences as long as they're balanced with a sympathetic tolerance towards each other".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seeks to see" when you want to emphasize a proactive effort to gain understanding or insight through observation. It adds a layer of intentionality to the act of seeing.

Common error

Avoid using "seeks to see" when a simpler verb like "wants to see" or "tries to see" would suffice. The phrase is best reserved for situations where there is a deliberate and thoughtful intention behind the act of observation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seeks to see" functions as a verbal phrase indicating purpose or intention. It combines the verb 'seek', implying an effort or attempt, with 'to see', indicating the goal of observation or understanding. Ludwig confirms the correct usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seeks to see" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase that indicates a deliberate effort to understand or observe something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is more common in formal contexts such as news and science, and less so in informal settings. While semantically similar to phrases like "aims to observe" or "strives to understand", "seeks to see" emphasizes the active intention behind the observation. Remember to use it when emphasizing a thoughtful and intentional effort, avoiding overuse in simple observation contexts. The examples provide a comprehensive understanding of its applications across various fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is looking to see

An idiomatic alternative that shares a similar meaning but is slightly less formal.

aims to observe

Emphasizes the intention to watch or notice something.

is trying to see

Highlights the act of attempting to visualize or comprehend.

strives to understand

Highlights the effort to gain comprehension.

wants to see

Emphasizes the desire to observe or experience something.

attempts to perceive

Focuses on the effort to become aware through the senses.

endeavors to view

Stresses the active effort to look at something.

intends to examine

Highlights the plan to scrutinize something closely.

desires to witness

Emphasizes the wish to be present at an event.

aspires to discern

Focuses on the ambition to distinguish or recognize something.

FAQs

What does "seeks to see" mean?

The phrase "seeks to see" means to try or aim to understand or observe something. It implies an active effort to gain insight through observation.

How can I use "seeks to see" in a sentence?

You can use "seeks to see" to describe someone's intention to observe or understand something, like, "The researcher "aims to observe" the effects of the new treatment".

What are some alternatives to "seeks to see"?

Alternatives include "aims to observe", "strives to understand", or "attempts to perceive", each emphasizing a slightly different nuance of intention or effort.

When is it appropriate to use "seeks to see" instead of "wants to see"?

"Seeks to see" is more appropriate when the observation is part of a deliberate or thoughtful process. "Wants to see" is a more general expression of desire. Choose "seeks to see" when emphasizing intentionality and effort in understanding.