we have sought

USAGE SUMMARY

It is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You could use it to describe the actions of a group in the past, as in "We have sought the advice of experts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We have sought a legal opinion.

The Guardian

For decades, we have sought alternatives.

The New York Times

"We have sought legal advice from counsel.

The Guardian - Business

"We have sought to work with junior doctors," she added.

The Guardian

"This is the result we have sought all along.

The New York Times

For too long we have sought to burn and consume our way to prosperity.

The Guardian

We have sought guarantees that the spying "will never happen again," she says.

The Guardian

We have sought - in word and deed - a new era of engagement with the world.

The Guardian

"It's something we have sought and pursued for a long time," he said.

The New York Times

"We have sought and received assurances that he will be tried," Mr. Vietor said.

The New York Times

And so we have sought to develop a similar capability in China.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we have sought", ensure that the context clearly indicates what was being sought and the reason for seeking it. This adds clarity and strengthens the sentence's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "we have sought" when referring to actions that are currently ongoing. This phrase implies a completed action in the past. If the action is still in progress, consider using "we are seeking".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we have sought" functions as a transitive verb phrase, indicating a completed action of seeking or attempting to obtain something. This phrase is often used to introduce the purpose or intention behind a particular action, as evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we have sought" is a versatile and frequently used expression to convey that a group has attempted to find or achieve something in the past. As Ludwig AI correctly points out, this phrase is grammatically sound and appears across diverse contexts ranging from news and media to scientific research and business communications. Its meaning, though nuanced, remains consistent: highlighting a deliberate effort to achieve a specific objective. When writing, keep in mind its slightly more formal tone and ensure that the tense aligns with your intended meaning. Alternatives such as "we aimed", "we tried", and "we pursued" offer options for varying your language while maintaining clarity. Overall, "we have sought" serves as a reliable tool for expressing past actions with intention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we aimed

Replaces "sought" with a more direct verb, implying a clear target or objective.

we targeted

Indicates a specific goal or objective that was aimed for.

we pursued

Suggests a more active and persistent effort to achieve something.

we endeavored

Substitutes "sought" with a more formal verb, suggesting a serious and sustained effort.

we aspired

Highlights the ambition or desire behind the effort.

we looked for

Replaces "sought" with a phrasal verb, focusing on the act of searching.

we strived

Implies a vigorous effort, struggling to achieve something.

we tried

Replaces "sought" with a simpler, more common verb, indicating an attempt or effort.

we worked towards

Emphasizes the effort and progress made in the pursuit of a goal.

we investigated

Focuses on the act of exploring or examining something in detail.

FAQs

How to use "we have sought" in a sentence?

"We have sought" is used to indicate that a group has attempted to find or achieve something in the past. For example, "We have sought legal advice on this matter" or "We have sought to improve our services."

What can I say instead of "we have sought"?

You can use alternatives like "we aimed", "we tried", or "we pursued" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "we have sought" and "we are seeking"?

"We have sought" indicates a completed action in the past, while "we are seeking" implies that the action is currently ongoing. The choice depends on whether the seeking is finished or still in progress.

Is it more formal to use "we have sought" or "we looked for"?

"We have sought" is generally more formal than "we looked for". The former is often used in professional or academic contexts, while the latter is more appropriate for informal communication.