SEEK OUT

National Parks

📖 Definition

Seek out means to search diligently for someone or something with a high level of intent and purpose, often involving thorough investigation.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

Seek out means to search diligently for someone or something with a high level of intent and purpose, often involving thorough investigation.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
You can say 'seek out something' or 'seek something out'.
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Neutral
Common in both casual and formal communication.
Transitive
Yes
Requires a direct object, as in 'seek out new opportunities'.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple seek out She seeks out ancient manuscripts in libraries.
Past Simple sought out He sought out experts for guidance.
Present Continuous seeking out They are seeking out potential investors.
Present Perfect have sought out We have sought out every possibility.

💡 When to Use

Finding specific information
Use when you actively search for specific information or individuals strategically.
Example: "He sought out answers about his ancestry."
Exploring new opportunities
Apply this verb when actively looking for new chances or paths in life.
Example: "She seeks out new career opportunities abroad."
Research and exploration
Use when probing or investigating topics or areas thoroughly.
Example: "Researchers sought out new planets in distant galaxies."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect verb form
❌ Wrong: She seeked out information.
✅ Correct: She sought out information.
💡 Tip: Remember, the past form is 'sought', not 'seeked'.
Missing direct object
❌ Wrong: He is seeking out.
✅ Correct: He is seeking out solutions.
💡 Tip: Always include what you are seeking out.
Non-separable misuse
❌ Wrong: They out seek new ideas.
✅ Correct: They seek out new ideas.
💡 Tip: 'Out' cannot precede 'seek' without altering meaning.
Practice

SEEK OUT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

locate pursue

Antonyms

ignore

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Many adventurers eagerly ___ the hidden treasures of the world."

seek in
seek out
searching
sought

"In seeking out truth, one discovers not only answers but also the profound questions that shape understanding and wisdom."

In Context

Anna Athanasius was an adventurous archaeologist in the early 20th century who strived to seek out hidden truths of the ancient world. Her career began with small excavations, but her thirst for knowledge drove her to seek out larger, unexplored territories. In 1927, Athanasius embarked on an expedition to seek out the lost city of Zerzura, rumored to be hidden in the vast Sahara Desert. Her dedication attracted a team of experienced explorers who shared her desire to seek out this mythical city. As they traversed the desert, they encountered numerous challenges including sandstorms and scarce resources. Halfway through their journey, Anna managed to discover remnants of an ancient civilization, which seemed to confirm the existence of Zerzura. Her findings included pottery and inscriptions that hinted at a bustling trade center. Word of her discoveries spread quickly, and many scholars were eager to seek out further connections between these artifacts and ancient texts. Anna's willingness to seek out the unknown, despite the odds, propelled her to success. Her story remains a testament to the power of curiosity and determination, inspiring many to seek out unknown territories, both literal and intellectual.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Seek Out

What is the origin of seek out?

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The origin of 'seek out' lies in Old English 'sēcan' meaning to go in search of, combined with 'out' for directionality, emphasizing thoroughness.

Can seek out be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'seek out' is suitable for both formal and informal contexts as it describes a deliberate search, making it versatile in different settings.

What is the difference between seek out and locate?

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'Seek out' involves actively searching, implying effort and intent, whereas 'locate' means finding the position of something, often with less emphasis on the effort.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

search forlook forhunt downtrack downferret out
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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