we sought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'we sought' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that you and others actively went looking for someone or something. For example: "We sought help from the local experts, but still could not find the answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So we sought help".

The New York Times - Magazine

We sought out crepes.

The Washington Post

"We sought protection from that".

The New York Times

We sought their current views.

The New Yorker

Desperately we sought to hide.

The Guardian - Opinion

We sought shelter behind a drystone wall.

The Guardian - Travel

That's why we sought out writer-directors.

The New York Times

"This was the relief that we sought.

The New York Times

Amusements we sought, amusements we found.

The New York Times

This is not a role we sought.

The New York Times

We sought to fill this gap.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we sought" when you want to emphasize a deliberate and active search for something, especially in formal or professional contexts.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "we sought" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "we looked for" or "we tried to find" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we sought" functions as the main verb within a sentence, indicating a past action of actively looking for or trying to obtain something. It is used to describe a deliberate effort made by a group. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we sought" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase indicating a deliberate effort to find or obtain something. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal tone. While effective in these settings, it's important to consider the formality of the situation and choose simpler alternatives like "we looked for" in more casual conversations. Remember to use "we sought" when emphasizing a purposeful search, particularly in professional or academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we aimed

Focuses on the intention or goal rather than the active search.

we pursued

Emphasizes the ongoing effort and determination in achieving a goal.

we looked for

A more direct and less formal alternative, highlighting the act of searching.

we tried to find

Expresses the effort made to locate something specific.

we endeavored

Suggests a more formal and serious attempt.

we strived to

Highlights the effort and determination to achieve a particular outcome.

we set out to find

Indicates a planned and deliberate effort to locate something.

we were in search of

Emphasizes the state of actively looking for something.

we hunted for

Suggests a more intense and determined search.

we explored

Implies a broader investigation to discover something.

FAQs

What does "we sought" mean?

"We sought" means that a group of people actively tried to find or obtain something. It implies a deliberate effort and often suggests a formal or serious context.

What can I say instead of "we sought"?

You can use alternatives like "we looked for", "we pursued", or "we tried to find" depending on the context.

Is "we sought" formal or informal?

"We sought" is generally considered more formal. In informal situations, simpler alternatives like "we looked for" might be more appropriate.

How to use "we sought" in a sentence?

Use "we sought" to indicate a deliberate and active search. For example, "We sought advice from experts in the field." or "We sought refuge from the storm.