sought them for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sought them for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone has actively searched for or pursued something or someone for a specific purpose or reason. Example: "The detective sought them for information regarding the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The objects are mostly gifts from the collector Anne Breckenridge Dorsey, who has sought them for decades at outdoor markets in Asia and at high-end fairs and galleries (including Artyeti in Petaluma, Calif).

The New York Times - Arts

Rottweilers, large dogs first bred in Germany, surged in popularity during the 1990's as more people sought them for protection, said Jeffrey J. Sacks, an epidemiologist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The New York Times

(§31) The controversial beginning (and eventual locus classicus) of the new approach, which would aspire to rigor and persuasion in morals and politics in the way that Descartes had sought them for science and metaphysics, was Grotius's "Preliminary Discourse" or Prolegomena (§§ 5 8) to On the Right of War and Peace (De jure belli ac pacis [1625]).

SEP

As a sucker for composition, I wanted to know how they made their stuff, and so I sought them for today's piece, and they kindly obliged.

Vice

Perhaps most unfortunately, rhetoric of this kind can come from mental health professionals who overlook the self selection bias, essentially, all the LGBT people they know have mental health issues because those LGBT people are their patients and have sought them for treatment.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Mr. Leahy and others have been seeking them for more than a year.

The New York Times

Emotional stability seems to be particularly salient for women, and the availability of alternatives (or willingness to seek them) for men.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

News organizations sought them out for interviews.

The New York Times

Thus, the monks who had fled the world found that the world sought them out for services, which they gladly rendered.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There are numerous underground hot springs that contain radium and other minerals, and, since Roman times, bathers have sought them out for their supposed healing properties.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To be fair, I have to graciously accept others' refusals when I have sought them out for my own projects, but it's a worthwhile exchange.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sought them for" to clearly indicate that someone actively looked for something or someone with a specific intention or purpose in mind. For example, "The researcher sought them for their expertise."

Common error

Ensure you are using the correct preposition after "sought". While "sought them for" is valid, other prepositions might be needed depending on the context. Double-check your intended meaning to avoid grammatical errors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sought them for" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of actively searching for something or someone with a specific purpose or intention. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, from collectors searching for items to individuals seeking help or information.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sought them for" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to indicate a directed search with a specific purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. While relatively rare, its usage spans across news, encyclopedias, and online guides, suggesting a neutral register. When writing, ensure the preposition "for" accurately reflects the intended reason behind the search to avoid misuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looked for them to

Emphasizes the act of searching with the intention of achieving something.

searched for them to

Similar to 'looked for them to', but implies a more thorough search.

pursued them for

Suggests a more active and determined effort to obtain something.

tried to find them for

Highlights the attempt to locate something for a particular reason.

aimed to acquire them for

Focuses on the goal of obtaining something with a specific purpose in mind.

endeavored to obtain them for

Implies a significant effort to get something for a specific reason.

made efforts to secure them for

Emphasizes the actions taken to ensure something is obtained for a reason.

worked to get them for

Highlights the effort and labor involved in acquiring something.

strove to obtain them for

Suggests a strong and persistent effort to acquire something.

sought after them to

Focuses on chasing a thing or event after it happened.

FAQs

How can I use "sought them for" in a sentence?

You can use "sought them for" to indicate that someone was actively looking for something or someone for a specific reason. For example: "The historian "sought them for" their knowledge of the period."

What are some alternatives to "sought them for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "looked for them to", "searched for them to", or "pursued them for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "sought them for" or "looked for them to"?

"Sought them for" tends to be slightly more formal than "looked for them to". The choice depends on the context and your desired tone.

What is the difference between "sought them for" and "sought them out for"?

"Sought them for" implies a direct purpose, while "sought them out for" suggests a more deliberate effort to find and then engage with someone or something for a specific reason. The latter implies more effort in locating the subject.