they seek

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they seek" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone's desire or pursuit of something, such as knowledge, truth, or a goal. Example: "In their quest for knowledge, they seek answers to the most pressing questions of our time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They seek to divide Londoners.

Independent

Did they seek approval?

The Guardian

They seek unspecified damages.

The New York Times

Later, they seek counselling.

The New Yorker

They seek out records.

The Guardian - Books

THEY seek him here; they seek him there.

The Economist

Instantly, they seek an electronic diversion.

Independent

Why should they seek our gaze?

The New Yorker

"They expect to get what they seek".

The New York Times

They seek refuge, and redemption, in religion.

The New York Times

They seek the right to marry.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "they seek". If a more casual tone is desired, alternatives like "they are looking for" may be more suitable.

Common error

While "they seek" is generally acceptable, avoid using it too frequently in informal conversations or writing. Opt for more natural alternatives like "they're trying to find" or "they want" to maintain a conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they seek" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "they" is the subject pronoun and "seek" is the verb. It expresses an action or state of pursuing something, whether tangible or intangible. Ludwig shows numerous examples where it's used to indicate a deliberate effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they seek" is a grammatically sound and versatile verb phrase used to describe a group's intention or effort to find or achieve something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it can lean towards formality. When writing, consider the context and choose alternatives like "they are looking for" in more casual settings. Avoid overuse in informal conversations to maintain a natural tone. Ludwig offers numerous examples to illustrate its diverse applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are looking for

This alternative is a more casual way of saying that someone is trying to find something.

they are in pursuit of

This phrase implies a more determined and active effort to find or achieve something.

they aim to find

This option emphasizes the intention or goal of finding something.

they endeavor to locate

This suggests a more formal and diligent approach to finding something.

they are trying to acquire

This focuses on the act of gaining possession of something, whether tangible or intangible.

they hope to obtain

This expresses a desire and expectation of getting something.

they aspire to achieve

This alternative indicates a higher ambition or goal that one is striving for.

they are after

This is a more colloquial expression meaning they want or desire something.

they wish to secure

This emphasizes the desire to make something safe or certain.

they are set on finding

This implies a strong determination and focus on finding something.

FAQs

How to use "they seek" in a sentence?

You can use "they seek" to describe a group's intentional effort to find or achieve something. For example, "They seek knowledge" or "They seek justice."

What can I say instead of "they seek"?

You can use alternatives like "they are looking for", "they are trying to find", or "they want" depending on the context.

Is "they seek" formal or informal?

"They seek" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it tends to be slightly more formal. In very casual situations, consider using alternatives like "they're after".

What's the difference between "they seek" and "they search for"?

"They seek" implies a more intentional and purposeful effort, while "they search for" suggests a more general exploration. For example, "They seek truth" suggests a philosophical quest, whereas "They search for their keys" implies a simple act of looking.