Seek is the formal way to express the desire to find or obtain something important.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Use seek for formal searching or requesting.
- Follow with a noun or an infinitive verb.
- It implies a serious or purposeful search.
Overview
The verb 'seek' is a versatile term used to describe the act of searching for something, whether it be a tangible object, a person, or an intangible goal. While 'look for' is the standard way to express this in everyday conversation, 'seek' carries a weight of intentionality, effort, and often a higher degree of formality. It implies a directed search rather than a casual glance. Usage Patterns: 'Seek' is frequently followed by a noun representing the goal, such as 'seek advice,' 'seek shelter,' or 'seek employment.' It can also be followed by an infinitive verb (e.g., 'seek to improve'), which indicates a strong desire or attempt to accomplish a specific action. In professional or legal contexts, it is the preferred term, as it sounds more precise and serious than simpler alternatives. Common Contexts: You will encounter 'seek' in news reports ('The police are seeking information'), academic writing ('This study seeks to analyze the data'), and formal correspondence ('I am seeking your assistance'). It is also common in idiomatic expressions or philosophical discussions, such as 'seeking the truth' or 'seeking happiness.' Similar Words Comparison: Compared to 'look for,' which is neutral and common, 'seek' sounds deliberate. 'Search' implies a thorough or systematic investigation of a location, whereas 'seek' focuses more on the objective of the search. 'Pursue' suggests a long-term effort to follow or attain something, often involving a chase or a career path. Understanding these nuances helps you choose the right word for the appropriate level of formality.
Examples
I am seeking a new opportunity in marketing.
everydayEstoy buscando una nueva oportunidad en marketing.
The organization seeks to improve global literacy rates.
formalLa organización busca mejorar las tasas de alfabetización global.
He sought refuge in the library during the rain.
formalÉl buscó refugio en la biblioteca durante la lluvia.
We should seek legal counsel before signing this contract.
academicDeberíamos buscar asesoramiento legal antes de firmar este contrato.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
seek out
buscar activamente
seek the truth
buscar la verdad
seek permission
pedir permiso
Often Confused With
Search implies looking through a place or a group of things carefully. Seek focuses on the goal or the object you want to attain.
Look for is a phrasal verb used in casual, everyday speech. Seek is the formal, one-word equivalent.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Seek is a formal verb that is best used in professional, academic, or legal settings. When used with an infinitive, it indicates a goal-oriented action. Remember that the past tense is 'sought,' not 'seeked.'
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake is using 'seeked' instead of 'sought' for the past tense. Another error is using 'seek for'—the verb 'seek' already includes the meaning of 'for,' so it should never be followed by it.
Tips
Use seek for professional goals
When writing emails to employers or professors, use 'seek' instead of 'look for' to sound more professional. It shows you have a clear objective in mind.
Avoid overusing in casual speech
Using 'seek' in very casual conversations with friends can sound overly dramatic or stiff. Stick to 'look for' in relaxed social situations.
Historical and literary resonance
The word 'seek' has deep roots in English literature and religious texts, often associated with quests or spiritual journeys. This gives it a slightly elevated, classic tone.
Word Origin
The word originates from the Old English word 'sēcan,' which has roots in Germanic languages. It has historically been used to describe both physical searching and the quest for spiritual or intellectual truth.
Cultural Context
In Western culture, the 'seeker' is a common archetype in literature, representing someone on a journey for enlightenment. This gives the word a slightly noble or epic connotation compared to the mundane 'look for.'
Memory Tip
Think of 'seek' as 'S-E-E-K'—Searching Everything, Eagerly Knowing. It helps to remember it is a purposeful, active search.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsWhile it is more common in formal contexts, it is perfectly acceptable in spoken English when you want to sound more precise or professional. For example, saying 'I am seeking a new job' sounds more serious than 'I am looking for a new job.'
Yes, you can, but it is less common than for abstract things. You might say 'The hikers sought shelter from the storm,' which sounds more descriptive than simply saying they looked for a place to hide.
The past tense and past participle of 'seek' is 'sought.' It is an irregular verb, so it does not end in -ed.
Yes, 'seek out' implies a more active, persistent effort to find someone or something that might be difficult to locate. It emphasizes the process of searching until the target is found.
Test Yourself
The company is ___ to hire a new manager by next month.
The present continuous 'is seeking' is correct for an ongoing action.
The committee will ___ a solution to the problem.
In this context, 'pursue' acts as a formal synonym for seeking a solution.
advice / I / to / seek / professional / need
The structure 'need to + verb' is the correct grammatical sequence.
Score: /3
Summary
Seek is the formal way to express the desire to find or obtain something important.
- Use seek for formal searching or requesting.
- Follow with a noun or an infinitive verb.
- It implies a serious or purposeful search.
Use seek for professional goals
When writing emails to employers or professors, use 'seek' instead of 'look for' to sound more professional. It shows you have a clear objective in mind.
Avoid overusing in casual speech
Using 'seek' in very casual conversations with friends can sound overly dramatic or stiff. Stick to 'look for' in relaxed social situations.
Historical and literary resonance
The word 'seek' has deep roots in English literature and religious texts, often associated with quests or spiritual journeys. This gives it a slightly elevated, classic tone.
Examples
4 of 4I am seeking a new opportunity in marketing.
Estoy buscando una nueva oportunidad en marketing.
The organization seeks to improve global literacy rates.
La organización busca mejorar las tasas de alfabetización global.
He sought refuge in the library during the rain.
Él buscó refugio en la biblioteca durante la lluvia.
We should seek legal counsel before signing this contract.
Deberíamos buscar asesoramiento legal antes de firmar este contrato.
Quick Quiz
If you are feeling ill, you should ___ medical advice from a doctor.
Correct!
The correct answer is: seek
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