shall be sought

USAGE SUMMARY

'shall be sought' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that an action must be taken in order to achieve something, such as a goal or an outcome. For example: "The answer to this pressing issue shall be sought through further research."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

(5) "Knowledge shall be sought throughout the world in order to promote the welfare of the empire".

Encyclopedia Britannica

A good balance (compatibility) between the performance of the fibres, which is highly enhanced by the shape of the hook, and the strength of the matrix shall be sought in order to optimise the capacity of both fibres and matrix in the reinforced concrete.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

A good balance (compatibility) between the performance of the fibres, which is highly enhanced by the shape of the hook, and the strength of the matrix shall be sought in order to optimise the capacity of both fibres and matrix in the reinforced concrete.  .

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

Prior to start of interview data collector's verbal consent shall be sought and purpose of visit explained.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

The study proposal shall be shared with the state health authority and permission shall be sought to access routine health data, reporting formats and meeting proceedings.

BMJ Open

The approval for audio recording of interviews shall be sought separately in addition to the consent for taking notes of the interview.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

I shall be seeking further scientific advice on this, but I believe it to be one of the last frontiers of equality and intend to raise the issue in parliament.

The Guardian - Opinion

The judge added he "shall also be seeking the assistance of persons and institutions that will have a contribution to make to the work of the inquiry".

The Guardian

In a letter to WRU member clubs, the 69-year-old wrote: "I shall not be seeking re-election for another period.

BBC

Rangers' move into administration has disappointed Scottish Football Association chief executive Stewart Regan said: "I shall also be seeking a discussion with the appointed administrator in early course, to establish their intentions for the club given the wider implications for the Scottish game.

BBC

Also anti-Jamesian is the sentence's mix of registers: vernacular ("freestyle", "go at"), biblical ("knock" is from "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" – Matthew 7 7).

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shall be sought", ensure the context clearly indicates who is responsible for seeking and what the desired outcome is. Clarity in these elements strengthens the sentence's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "shall be sought" in casual or informal writing. The phrase's formal tone can sound out of place in everyday conversation or relaxed prose. Opt for simpler alternatives like "needs to be found" or "should be looked for" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shall be sought" functions as a passive construction indicating that something needs to be actively pursued or looked for. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrasing is correct and usable in written English. The modal verb "shall" lends a sense of obligation or necessity to the action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

16%

News & Media

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shall be sought" is a formal phrase used to indicate that something must be actively pursued or looked for. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical structure is correct, and is suited for formal contexts like science, encyclopedias, and news media, where clarity and a sense of obligation are important. When using this phrase, ensure that the context makes clear who is responsible for the action of seeking. While grammatically sound, "shall be sought" may be less appropriate for informal contexts where simpler alternatives could sound better.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be pursued

Replaces "shall be sought" with a more direct expression of necessity.

should be acquired

Shifts the focus to obtaining something, rather than the act of seeking.

needs to be obtained

Emphasizes the necessity of obtaining something.

ought to be pursued

Uses "ought to" to suggest a moral or advisable action.

should be strived for

Focuses on the effort to achieve a goal.

must be attained

Highlights the achievement of reaching a goal.

needs to be investigated

Specifies the need for an investigation.

should be explored

Suggests a need for further investigation.

must be researched

Emphasizes the need for research.

demands exploration

Highlights that something requires investigation.

FAQs

How can I use "shall be sought" in a sentence?

Use "shall be sought" to express a formal or necessary action of seeking something. For instance, "A resolution to the conflict "must be sought" through diplomatic channels".

What are some alternatives to using "shall be sought"?

Alternatives to "shall be sought" include "must be pursued", "should be acquired", or "needs to be obtained", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "shall be sought" appropriate for informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "shall be sought" is best suited for formal writing. In informal contexts, consider using more casual alternatives such as "needs to be found" or "should be looked for".

How does "shall be sought" differ from "will be sought"?

"Shall be sought" expresses a stronger sense of obligation or determination, often implying a formal requirement or promise. "Will be sought" simply indicates a future action without the same degree of emphasis. For example, "Permission "shall be sought"" implies a mandatory step, whereas "Permission will be sought" is a statement of intent.