when seeking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when seeking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the action of looking for something or trying to obtain something. Example: "When seeking advice, it's important to consider the source of information."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

when seeking a confession.

The New York Times

Setbacks are inevitable when seeking power.

Harvard Business Review

You rarely get these qualities when seeking a consensus.

The New Yorker

When seeking information, they sought relevant links, not media brands.

The New York Times

Judah advises startup CEOs to "aim high" when seeking mentors.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Diversity can also help when seeking funding for a startup.

Stanford University

He was defeated when seeking re-election in 1976.

The New York Times

There are two studies that are cited when seeking answers.

The Guardian - Money

Six months before, when seeking the Democratic nomination, then-Sen.

The Guardian - Opinion

The latter ones are probably only applicable when seeking for a higher number of design points.

Chemometrics and Intelligent Laboratory Systems

However, significant challenges remain when seeking to integrate multiple functions into priority-oriented planning.

Landscape and Urban Planning

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize the proactive nature of finding something, consider stronger action verbs instead of "seeking", such as "pursuing", "striving", or "aiming".

Common error

While "when seeking" is grammatically correct, overuse in formal writing can make it sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives like "in the pursuit of" or "while searching for" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

"When seeking" functions as an introductory phrase in a sentence, typically forming an adverbial clause of time or condition. It modifies the main verb, indicating the circumstances under which an action is performed. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, demonstrating its role in setting the stage for the primary action described in the sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when seeking" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to introduce clauses that specify the circumstances under which someone is looking for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and appears frequently across diverse domains such as science, news, and formal business. When writing, ensure your choice aligns with your desired register, opting for more precise verbs if clarity demands it. Remember that varying your sentence structure can help avoid repetition. Also ensure that you are consistent with the formality of writing!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while searching

Replaces "when seeking" with a continuous action of searching.

in pursuit of

Emphasizes the goal-oriented aspect of seeking.

upon searching

Implies a more formal or immediate action of searching.

as you search

Shifts the focus to the process of searching.

if you are searching

Adds a conditional element to the act of searching.

during the search for

Highlights the period in which the search is taking place.

while trying to find

Focuses on the effort involved in finding something.

in an effort to locate

Emphasizes the intention and determination behind the search.

as one looks for

Presents a general perspective on the action of seeking.

on the lookout for

Suggests vigilance and anticipation in the search.

FAQs

How can I use "when seeking" in a sentence?

Use "when seeking" to introduce a clause that describes the circumstances under which someone is looking for something, for example, "When seeking help, it's important to find a reliable source."

What are some alternatives to "when seeking"?

You can use alternatives such as "while searching", "in pursuit of", or "upon searching" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "when seeking" or "while seeking"?

Both "when seeking" and "while seeking" are grammatically correct. "When seeking" implies a specific instance or condition, while "while seeking" suggests a more continuous or ongoing action. Choose the one that best fits the context.

What challenges might arise "when seeking" consent for research?

Particular challenges can arise "when seeking" consent from impoverished populations with high levels of illiteracy, when seeking consent to paediatric research, when seeking consent to research in emergency situations, and when seeking consent to genomic research.