Are you wondering whether to use the word “seek” or “look”? These two words are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences between them that can affect the meaning of your sentence.
Let’s define the two words. “Seek” means to actively search for something or to try to obtain something. On the other hand, “look” means to direct your gaze in a particular direction or to try to see something.
So which one is the proper word to use? The answer is: it depends on what you’re trying to say. If you’re actively searching for something, then “seek” is the better choice. If you’re simply directing your gaze or trying to see something, then “look” is the better choice.
Throughout this article, we will explore the differences between “seek” and “look” in more detail and provide examples of when to use each word.
Define Seek
Seek refers to the act of searching for or trying to obtain something. It implies a deliberate effort to find or acquire something that is desired or needed. Seeking often involves a sense of purpose and determination, as well as a willingness to put in the necessary time and effort to achieve the desired outcome.
Examples of seeking include:
- Seeking a job
- Seeking advice
- Seeking knowledge
- Seeking justice
- Seeking happiness
Overall, seeking is an active process that involves taking initiative and pursuing a goal with intention and focus.
Define Look
Look, on the other hand, refers to the act of directing one’s gaze or attention towards something. It does not necessarily imply a deliberate effort to find or obtain something, but rather a passive observation or examination of something that is in view. Looking can be done with or without intention, and may or may not involve a desire to acquire or understand something.
Examples of looking include:
- Looking at a beautiful sunset
- Looking for a lost item
- Looking through a book
- Looking at a painting
- Looking out the window
Overall, looking is a more passive and observational process than seeking, and may or may not involve a specific goal or intention.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the right word in a sentence can make a significant difference in the message you are trying to convey. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use the words “seek” and “look” in a sentence.
How To Use “Seek” In A Sentence
The word “seek” is often used when you are actively searching for something or trying to find a solution to a problem. Here are some examples of how to use “seek” in a sentence:
- I am seeking a new job opportunity.
- The company is seeking investors to fund their project.
- She sought advice from her mentor before making a decision.
As you can see, “seek” is typically used when there is a specific goal or objective in mind. It implies a more intentional and purposeful action.
How To Use “Look” In A Sentence
The word “look” is often used when you are trying to observe or examine something. Here are some examples of how to use “look” in a sentence:
- I am looking at the beautiful sunset.
- The doctor looked at the patient’s medical records before making a diagnosis.
- She looked in the mirror and noticed a blemish on her face.
As you can see, “look” is typically used when there is a desire to observe or examine something. It implies a more passive action.
It is important to note that while “seek” and “look” may have similar meanings, they are used in different contexts and convey different levels of intentionality. By using them correctly, you can ensure that your message is clear and concise.
More Examples Of Seek & Look Used In Sentences
When it comes to choosing the right word to describe the act of trying to find something, many people use the words “seek” and “look” interchangeably. However, there are subtle differences in their meanings and usage. Here are some more examples of how these words can be used in sentences:
Examples Of Using “Seek” In A Sentence
- She decided to seek professional help for her anxiety.
- The company is seeking a new CEO to lead its expansion efforts.
- He sought advice from his mentor before making a final decision.
- They are seeking justice for the victims of the crime.
- The team is seeking to win the championship for the third year in a row.
- She is seeking a job that will allow her to use her creative talents.
- He sought refuge from the storm in a nearby cave.
- The organization is seeking donations to fund its research projects.
- She is seeking a divorce from her abusive husband.
- He sought forgiveness from his family for his past mistakes.
Examples Of Using “Look” In A Sentence
- She looked for her keys in her purse but couldn’t find them.
- The children looked out the window in excitement as the parade went by.
- He looked at the clock and realized he was running late for his meeting.
- She looked up the recipe online and started cooking dinner.
- The detective looked for clues at the crime scene.
- He looked over the contract carefully before signing it.
- She looked after her sick grandmother for several weeks.
- The teacher looked over the students’ essays and provided feedback.
- He looked into the company’s financial records to find the source of the problem.
- She looked forward to spending the weekend with her family.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words “seek” and “look”, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these words have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately to convey the intended message. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Look” When “Seek” Is More Appropriate
One common mistake is using “look” when “seek” is more appropriate. “Look” simply means to direct your gaze towards something, while “seek” means to actively search for something. For example, instead of saying “I’m looking for a new job”, it would be more appropriate to say “I’m seeking new job opportunities”.
Using “Seek” When “Look” Is More Appropriate
On the other hand, using “seek” when “look” is more appropriate can also lead to confusion. “Seek” implies a more intense search, while “look” is more casual. For instance, saying “I’m seeking my keys” suggests that you have been searching for a while, whereas saying “I’m looking for my keys” implies a more casual search.
Using The Wrong Preposition
Another common mistake is using the wrong preposition after “seek” or “look”. For example, it is incorrect to say “I’m seeking at new job”, when the correct preposition is “for”. Similarly, it is incorrect to say “I’m looking for to the weekend”, when the correct preposition is “forward to”.
Tips To Avoid Making These Mistakes
To avoid making these mistakes, it is important to understand the meanings of “seek” and “look” and use them appropriately. Here are some tips:
- Consider the intensity of the search required and use “seek” for a more intense search and “look” for a more casual one.
- Use the correct preposition after “seek” or “look” to convey the intended meaning.
- When in doubt, use a synonym such as “search” or “glance” to avoid confusion.
Context Matters
Choosing between the words “seek” and “look” can depend on the context in which they are used. While both words have similar meanings, they differ in their level of formality and the degree of effort involved.
Formality
The word “seek” is generally more formal than “look.” It is often used in professional or academic settings, where a more sophisticated tone is required. For example, a lawyer might “seek” a settlement in a case, while a casual conversation might involve someone “looking” for a good restaurant.
However, there are situations where “look” might be considered too informal. For instance, in a job interview, a candidate might say they are “seeking” a challenging position, rather than “looking” for a job.
Effort
The word “seek” implies a more deliberate and intensive effort than “look.” When someone is “seeking” something, they are actively and purposefully searching for it. On the other hand, “look” can be more passive and casual.
For example, if you are trying to find a lost item, you might “seek” it by searching every room in your house. However, if you are simply browsing a store for a new outfit, you might “look” at the different options without any specific goal in mind.
Examples
| Context | Preferred Word |
|---|---|
| Academic paper | Seek |
| Job interview | Seek |
| Casual conversation | Look |
In conclusion, the choice between “seek” and “look” depends on the context of the situation. While both words can be used interchangeably, “seek” is generally more formal and implies a more deliberate effort, while “look” is more casual and passive.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using seek and look are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind.
1. Idiomatic Expressions
Idiomatic expressions are phrases that have a meaning separate from the literal definitions of the words used. In some cases, seek and look may be used interchangeably in these expressions. For example:
- Seek revenge
- Look for revenge
- Seek shelter
- Look for shelter
In these cases, both seek and look can be used to convey the same meaning. However, it’s important to note that not all idiomatic expressions are interchangeable.
2. Contextual Usage
While seek and look have distinct meanings, their usage can depend on the context in which they are used. For example, consider the following sentences:
| Sentence | Correct Word Choice |
|---|---|
| I’m looking for a job. | Look |
| I’m seeking employment. | Seek |
| The detective is looking for clues. | Look |
| The detective is seeking answers. | Seek |
In these examples, look is used to refer to a general search or inquiry, while seek is used to refer to a more intentional or focused effort.
3. Regional Differences
While seek and look are generally used in the same way across different English-speaking regions, there may be some regional differences in usage. For example, in British English, seek is often used in more formal or academic contexts, while look is used more commonly in everyday language.
Overall, while there are some exceptions to the rules for using seek and look, understanding these nuances can help you use these words more effectively in your writing and communication.
Practice Exercises
Improving one’s understanding and use of seek and look requires practice. Here are some exercises to help you master the usage of these two verbs:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blanks
Choose the correct verb (seek or look) to complete the following sentences:
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| I ___________ my phone everywhere, but I can’t find it. | looked |
| She ___________ advice from her mentor before making a decision. | sought |
| He ___________ to find a new job after being laid off. | sought |
| The detective ___________ clues to solve the case. | sought |
| She ___________ at herself in the mirror before leaving the house. | looked |
Answer key: looked, sought, sought, sought, looked
Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence
Rewrite the following sentences using the correct form of seek or look:
- She is searching for a new job.
- He is trying to find a solution to the problem.
Answer key:
- She is seeking a new job.
- He is looking for a solution to the problem.
By practicing with exercises like these, you can improve your understanding and use of seek and look in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context in which these verbs are used, as well as their connotations and nuances.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the difference between “seek” and “look” is crucial in proper language use. Here are the key takeaways from this article:
- Both “seek” and “look” are verbs that refer to searching for something, but “seek” implies a more intentional and purposeful search.
- Using “seek” instead of “look” can convey a more serious tone in writing or speech.
- It’s important to consider the context and tone of your writing or speech when choosing between “seek” and “look.”
As with any aspect of grammar and language use, there is always more to learn. Continuing to expand your knowledge and understanding of language will only improve your communication skills. Whether it’s through reading, taking courses, or practicing writing and speaking, there are many ways to continue learning and growing in this area.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.