we must seek

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we must seek" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a necessity or obligation to search for something, whether it be information, solutions, or understanding. Example: "In order to improve our community, we must seek innovative solutions to the challenges we face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"However, we must seek to stay positive.

The Guardian

I believe that's the future we must seek together.

The New York Times

We must seek, gather and collect our treasures.

The Guardian - Music

We must seek the help of those countries".

The New York Times

"We must seek common ground based on a set of shared principles," she said.

The New York Times

We must seek a way to make environment acoustics a positive study program.

The Guardian

If we still want to be paid to write, we must seek other options to put shekels in the coffers.

The New York Times

"We must seek to move away from adversarial confrontation and towards peaceful reconciliation and conflict resolution," Mr. Pannell went on.

The New York Times

In my view, we must seek to avoid a market in higher education, where some universities charge more than others.

The Guardian - Opinion

"A world has been destroyed; we must seek a radical solution," said the young architect Walter Gropius upon his return from the front in late 1918.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We must seek partners, not perfection," Trump said, in a speech in Riyadh, the first leg of his first foreign trip as President.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we must seek", ensure that the object of your search is clearly defined to provide context and purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "we must seek" in casual conversation; it can sound overly formal. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "we need to find" or "let's look for" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we must seek" functions as a directive, urging action towards finding or achieving a specific goal. It often introduces a call to action, as seen in Ludwig's examples where various entities, from political parties to individuals, are encouraged to actively pursue solutions or understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we must seek" is a directive expression indicating a strong necessity to search for or achieve something. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correct and usable nature in written English, particularly when conveying a call to action or emphasizing the importance of an objective. It commonly appears in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, carrying a generally neutral tone suitable for professional and broader communication. While versatile, it's important to consider its formality and opt for more casual alternatives in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we need to find

Focuses on the act of discovering something necessary.

it is essential that we find

Emphasizes the importance of finding something.

we aim to discover

Expresses an intention to find or uncover something.

we should pursue

Suggests a course of action to follow, implying less urgency than "must seek".

we ought to pursue

Suggests a moral obligation to pursue a particular path.

it is imperative that we locate

Stresses the urgency and necessity of finding something.

we have to discover

Emphasizes the obligation to uncover something.

we are compelled to search

Indicates being forced or obliged to look for something.

we are bound to explore

Suggests an inherent duty to investigate.

we are required to look for

Highlights a formal requirement to search.

FAQs

What does "we must seek" mean?

The phrase "we must seek" indicates a strong necessity or obligation to search for, find, or achieve something. It's a formal way of expressing that an action is required.

How to use "we must seek" in a sentence?

Use "we must seek" when you want to emphasize the importance of finding a solution, achieving a goal, or obtaining information. For example: "In order to improve our community, "we must seek" innovative solutions to the challenges we face."

What can I say instead of "we must seek"?

You can use alternatives like "we should pursue", "we need to find", or "we have to discover" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "we must seek" and "we should seek"?

"We must seek" implies a stronger obligation or necessity compared to "we should seek". The former indicates a requirement, while the latter suggests a recommendation or advice.