sought to be

USAGE SUMMARY

"sought to be" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone is attempting to accomplish something. For example: "The senator sought to be re-elected for a fourth term."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She never sought to be a unifier.

The New Yorker

frustrate the very ends sought to be attained.

Cornell University

No evidence for criminal prosecution is sought to be seized.

Cornell University

Technicalities of procedure are sought to be eliminated.

Yale University

Even the actress Sean Young sought to be Tammaro's roommate.

The New Yorker

Even as a child you sought to be invisible.

The New Yorker

But if she sought to be coolly distant, well, bingo.

The New York Times

But she said the plan sought to be evenhanded.

The New York Times

He just sought to be one good man among many.

The New York Times

Saudi royals have never sought to be hands-on negotiators.

The New York Times

The 21-year-old sought to be philosophical.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sought to be", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the seeking. Clarity in the subject improves the readability and impact of your sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "sought to be" in overly passive constructions where the actor is completely obscured. Retain clarity by specifying who is undertaking the effort or intention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sought to be" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used to express intention, purpose, or an attempt to achieve a certain state or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sought to be" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to express intention or effort toward achieving a particular condition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and it's frequently found in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in specifying the subject and avoid overly passive constructions. Alternatives like ""aimed to be"", "desired to be", and "tried to be" can provide nuanced variations depending on the intended meaning. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "sought to be" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aimed to be

Focuses on the intention or purpose behind an action or goal. It emphasizes the direction of effort towards a specific outcome.

desired to be

Emphasizes the aspiration or wish for a certain condition or role. It highlights a personal preference or longing.

tried to be

Stresses the attempt or effort made to achieve a particular state. It conveys a sense of action and endeavor.

intended to be

Highlights the plan or design behind an action or object. It points to a pre-determined purpose or function.

strove to be

Implies a significant effort or struggle to achieve a goal. It suggests perseverance and determination in the face of challenges.

aspired to be

Focuses on a high ambition or long-term goal. It conveys a sense of elevation and aspiration.

endeavored to be

Emphasizes a serious and determined attempt. It suggests a commitment to achieving a particular outcome.

sought after to be

Highlights the desirability or attractiveness of a particular condition or role. It conveys a sense of being wanted or pursued by others.

wished to be

Emphasizes a desire or longing for a particular state. It conveys a sense of personal preference or yearning.

worked to be

Implies consistent effort and dedication towards achieving a goal. It suggests a long-term commitment and persistent action.

FAQs

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

"Sought to be" indicates an attempt or effort to achieve a specific condition or outcome. For example, "The company "aimed to be" a leader in sustainable practices".

What are some alternatives to "sought to be"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "desired to be", "tried to be", or "intended to be".

Is it correct to use "sought to be" in formal writing?

Yes, "sought to be" is appropriate for formal writing. It conveys a sense of intention and effort, fitting well in academic, professional, and journalistic contexts.

What's the difference between "sought to be" and "tried to be"?

"Sought to be" often implies a more deliberate and strategic effort, whereas "tried to be" suggests a more general attempt without necessarily indicating a specific plan.