ENGLISH
REFERENCE

seek to do sth

fixed phr..
C1 Advanced Oxford

fixed phr.. to try or aim to achieve something, especially in a formal way.

fixed phr.. to attempt or strive toward a specific objective; often used in formal, academic, or legal registers to indicate intent.


SIMPLE

The company seeks to improve its customer service.

CONTEXTUAL

The new law seeks to protect the rights of workers in the gig economy.

COMPLEX

In his latest research paper, the author seeks to challenge the long-held assumption that economic growth always leads to increased social happiness.

Usage

followed by an infinitive verb; much more formal than 'try to' or 'want to'.

Teaching tip

highlight that this is a 'high-frequency academic' phrase; students can use it in essays to replace the more conversational 'try to' for a more professional tone.

Pitfall

They seek to doing the work.They seek to do the work.the verb 'seek' must be followed by a to-infinitive, not a gerund (-ing form).

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