sought to investigate

USAGE SUMMARY

"sought to investigate" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe when someone has made an effort to examine something. For example, "The research team sought to investigate the effects of climate change on coastal communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Prosecutors in the southern city of Curitiba have also sought to investigate Lula.

The Guardian

To this effect, we sought to investigate the molecular basis of its antimicrobial activity.

AMB Express

We then sought to investigate the molecular mechanism of how EB1 regulates paclitaxel sensitivity.

Protein & Cell

We further sought to investigate the underlying mechanisms by which NdpA suppresses host inflammatory responses.

Protein & Cell

Next, we sought to investigate the effect of EB1 on paclitaxel induced microtubule stabilization.

Protein & Cell

Here, we sought to investigate whether SHS exposure impairs autophagy in pediatric lungs.

Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics

In his experiments with the prism, however, Newton apparently sought to investigate something else, viz.

SEP

The Aspen Conference sought to investigate the new media environment and particularly find paths to understanding.

Huffington Post

We sought to investigate the impact of the CTD domain on activity.

Plosone

Given this observation, we sought to investigate the temporal dynamics of mesoderm formation in EBs.

Plosone

We sought to investigate the complexity of a homogeneous subset of cortical cells.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sought to investigate" when you want to emphasize a deliberate and purposeful effort to uncover information or understand a particular phenomenon. It's suitable for formal writing, particularly in scientific or academic contexts.

Common error

While "sought to investigate" is appropriate for formal contexts, avoid using it in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "tried to find out" or "looked into" would be more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sought to investigate" functions as a verb phrase indicating the purpose or intention behind an action. It expresses a deliberate effort to explore, examine, or inquire into a specific topic or subject, typically in a formal or academic context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

85%

News & Media

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sought to investigate" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase that signals a purposeful endeavor to explore or understand a specific topic. Predominantly found in scientific and academic contexts, its formal tone makes it suitable for research papers and professional reports. Ludwig AI validates its correct and frequent usage. While alternatives like "aimed to explore" or "tried to determine" exist, the specific nuance of intention in "sought to investigate" often makes it the most fitting choice for articulating research objectives. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the formality of your writing and avoid overuse in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set out to examine

Highlights the initial intention and direction of the investigation.

aimed to explore

This alternative suggests a broader, less structured approach to discovery.

made an effort to understand

Highlights the attempt to gain comprehension, rather than just gather data.

undertook to study

Implies a formal and methodical approach to learning about a subject.

tried to determine

Focuses on finding a definitive answer or conclusion.

decided to inquire into

Implies a formal investigation or questioning process.

endeavored to research

Emphasizes the effort and commitment involved in the investigation.

took steps to probe

Suggests a careful and deliberate approach to uncovering information.

wished to ascertain

Highlights the desire to establish something as definitely true.

strove to analyze

Focuses on a detailed and systematic examination of the components of a subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "sought to investigate" to describe a deliberate effort to examine something, such as "The researchers "sought to investigate" the impact of social media on political polarization."

What are some alternatives to "sought to investigate"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "aimed to explore", "tried to determine", or "undertook to study" as alternatives to "sought to investigate".

Is "sought to investigate" formal or informal language?

"Sought to investigate" is considered formal language, best suited for academic writing, research papers, or professional reports. Simpler alternatives are preferable in informal contexts.

What is the difference between "sought to investigate" and "tried to investigate"?

"Sought to investigate" implies a more deliberate and planned effort, whereas "tried to investigate" suggests an attempt that may or may not have been fully successful or well-organized.