sought of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sought of" is not correct and is not usable in written English.
It seems to be a mistaken combination of "sought after" or "sought for," which are used to indicate something that is desired or in demand. Example: "The rare artifact was highly sought after by collectors around the world."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

An estimated €50 million in subsidies were sought, of which €20 million were actually paid out.

The New York Times

And, the report concluded, the church has "given the necessary assurances sought of them".

The New York Times

Mr. Rejón has been among the most sought of Mexico's criminals for years.

The New York Times

An estimated 50 million euros in subsidies were sought, of which 20 million were actually paid out.

The New York Times

This has left the GAA in a position – which it has never actually sought – of great importance in society.

Independent

Details were also sought of whether Vincent had ever been paid damages for false imprisonment in connection with the Magill case.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

There was no discussion or seeking of my views".

The Guardian - Sport

Safety is chiefly what they seek, of course.

Forbes

For seek of brevity we will focus our analysis on track events only.

Earth, Planets and Space

Therefore, the absolute value seeking of solar cell efficiency is not our target.

Nanoscale Research Letters

When seen as an intrinsic force, interest motivates the seeking of knowledge for its own sake.

International Journal of STEM Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "sought of" in formal writing. Instead, opt for more standard alternatives like "sought after" or "searched for".

Common error

Many writers mistakenly use "sought of" when they intend to use "sought after". Remember that "sought after" describes something that is desired or in demand, while "sought of" is generally considered grammatically incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sought of" functions as a past participle used in conjunction with the preposition "of". However, as Ludwig AI indicates, this usage is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Proper alternatives, such as "sought after", should be used instead.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

44%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "sought of" appears in various sources, Ludwig AI marks it as grammatically incorrect. Its intended meaning typically revolves around something being desired or looked for. To ensure clarity and correctness, it is recommended to use alternatives such as “"sought after"”, “"looked for"”, or “"desired"”. These alternatives offer more standard and widely accepted ways to convey the intended meaning. While "sought of" may be encountered, especially in informal contexts, adhering to correct grammar enhances the credibility and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sought after

A more grammatically correct and common alternative to "sought of", indicating something is highly desired.

searched for

Similar to "looked for", emphasizing the act of searching.

looked for

A more direct and common way to express the act of searching for something.

in demand

This alternative emphasizes the popularity or need for something, shifting the focus from the act of seeking to the state of being desired.

requested

Focuses on the act of asking formally for something.

desired

Emphasizes the feeling of wanting something strongly.

pursued

Highlights the active chase or effort to obtain something.

required

Similar to "needed", but with a stronger emphasis on obligation or necessity.

needed

Highlights the necessity of something, rather than the act of seeking it.

investigated

Focuses on a systematic or formal inquiry.

FAQs

What does "sought after" mean, and how is it different from "sought of"?

"Sought after" means highly desired or in demand. The phrase "sought of" is generally considered grammatically incorrect and should be avoided. Consider alternatives like "looked for" or "in demand" instead.

What are some correct ways to use the word "sought" in a sentence?

You can use "sought" as the past tense and past participle of "seek". For example, "He sought advice from his mentor" or "The company sought to expand its market share". A phrase like "sought after" is a correct usage as well.

Is "sought for" a valid alternative to "sought of"?

Yes, "sought for" is a valid alternative and generally means the same as "looked for" or "searched for". It's much more acceptable than "sought of".

When should I use "sought" versus "seeking"?

"Sought" is the past tense and past participle of "seek", used for completed actions. "Seeking" is the present participle, used for ongoing actions. For example: "They sought help yesterday", versus "They are seeking help now". The "seeking of" something is a valid form as well.