to seek

USAGE SUMMARY

'to seek' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express an intention to search for something or find an answer. For example: "The young man set out to seek his fortune in the West."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I've had to seek reconciliation".

The New York Times

You want to seek custody?

The New Yorker

Mary had to seek refuge.

Independent

Most departed to seek jobs.

The New York Times - Books

Reason to Seek Honest Feedback.

The New York Times

He continues to seek work.

The New York Times - Magazine

The right to seek asylum".

The New York Times

To Seek or Not to Seek?

Harvard University

Nor to seek it.

The Guardian - Sport

To seek help.

Harvard University

-- to seek bankruptcy protection.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to seek", ensure the object of the search is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "to seek advice" is clearer than simply "to seek."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "to seek" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using more common alternatives like "to look for" or "to try to find" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to seek" functions as an infinitive of purpose. It indicates the reason or intention behind an action, as seen in Ludwig examples where individuals "seek reconciliation" or "seek asylum". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to seek" is a versatile infinitive of purpose that indicates an intent to find or achieve something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable. While very common across diverse contexts, ranging from news and academic writing to wikis, its formality is generally neutral, making it suitable for many situations. When using "to seek", clarity is key; clearly define the object of the search. Alternatives like "to look for" or "to try to find" offer more casual options, ensuring your language resonates with your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to search for

Focuses specifically on the act of looking for something.

to look for

A more informal and direct way of saying "to seek".

to aim for

Highlights the goal-oriented aspect of seeking.

to strive for

Emphasizes the effort and determination involved in the process.

to try to find

Explicitly states the attempt to locate something.

to pursue

Suggests a determined effort to obtain something.

to inquire about

Focuses on asking for information.

to hunt for

Suggests a more active and persistent search.

to solicit

Implies formally requesting something, often support or assistance.

to request

A more direct alternative for asking for something.

FAQs

How can I use "to seek" in a sentence?

You can use "to seek" to describe an attempt to find something, like in the sentence, "They went to the library /s/to+seek knowledge".

What's a more formal alternative to "to seek"?

While "to seek" is already quite formal, you could use phrases like "to solicit" or "to request" depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "to seek" in informal situations?

In less formal settings, consider using phrases such as "to look for", "to try to find", or even simply "to find".

Is it always appropriate to use "to seek"?

While grammatically correct, "to seek" might sound too formal in some casual contexts. Choose your words based on your audience and the overall tone you're aiming for. If in doubt, "to look for" is usually a safe bet.