Are you looking for something or seeking it? At first glance, these two words may seem interchangeable. However, upon closer examination, they have distinct differences in meaning and usage.
Seeking and looking are both verbs that describe the act of trying to find something. However, seeking implies a more intentional and purposeful search, while looking is often used more casually.
According to Merriam-Webster, seeking means “to resort to : go to” or “to ask for : request.” Looking, on the other hand, means “to direct one’s attention to something” or “to rely or depend on something.”
In this article, we will explore the difference between seeking and looking and when it is appropriate to use each term.
Define Seeking
Seeking refers to actively searching for something with a specific goal in mind. It involves a conscious effort to find something that is desired or needed. Seeking can be a deliberate and focused pursuit of an objective or a more general exploration of options.
For example, a job seeker is someone who is actively seeking employment opportunities. They may be sending out resumes, attending job fairs, and networking with potential employers. Seeking can also refer to a spiritual or personal quest for meaning or purpose.
Seeking often involves a sense of intention and direction, as well as a willingness to take action and make changes to achieve a desired outcome. It can be a proactive and empowering approach to achieving one’s goals.
Define Looking
Looking, on the other hand, is a more passive and casual way of searching for something. It may involve scanning one’s environment or browsing through options without a specific goal in mind. Looking can be a more exploratory and open-ended approach to finding something.
For example, someone who is looking for a new book to read may browse through a bookstore or library without a specific title in mind. They may be open to discovering something new or unexpected. Looking can also refer to a more superficial evaluation of something, such as looking at a piece of art without really studying it.
Looking can be a more relaxed and spontaneous approach to finding something, but it may not always lead to a specific outcome. It can be a useful way to gather information or explore options, but it may require a more intentional shift towards seeking in order to achieve a desired result.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the right word in a sentence is crucial to convey the intended meaning. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use the words “seeking” and “looking” in a sentence.
How To Use “Seeking” In A Sentence
The word “seeking” is often used to describe a deliberate and purposeful action of searching for something. Here are some examples of how to use “seeking” in a sentence:
- John is seeking a new job that offers better pay and benefits.
- The company is seeking investors to fund their new project.
- She is seeking advice from a financial expert to manage her investments.
It is important to note that “seeking” implies a more active and intentional search for something. It suggests that the person is actively pursuing a goal or objective.
How To Use “Looking” In A Sentence
The word “looking” is often used to describe a more casual and passive action of searching for something. Here are some examples of how to use “looking” in a sentence:
- She is looking for her keys that she misplaced earlier.
- He is looking at different options for his next vacation.
- The company is looking to expand its operations into new markets.
Unlike “seeking,” “looking” suggests a more passive and less intentional search for something. It implies that the person is exploring different options or possibilities, but may not necessarily have a specific goal in mind.
More Examples Of Seeking & Looking Used In Sentences
In order to better understand the difference between seeking and looking, let’s take a look at some examples of how they can be used in sentences.
Examples Of Using Seeking In A Sentence
- She is seeking a job that allows her to work from home.
- The company is seeking new investors to fund their expansion.
- He is seeking advice from a financial planner to help him invest his money.
- The police are seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed the crime.
- She is seeking treatment for her chronic back pain.
- The nonprofit organization is seeking volunteers to help with their upcoming event.
- He is seeking forgiveness from his family after his past mistakes.
- The college is seeking accreditation from a national organization.
- She is seeking a sense of purpose in her life.
- The researchers are seeking to understand the effects of climate change on local ecosystems.
Examples Of Using Looking In A Sentence
- She is looking for her lost keys.
- The company is looking to hire a new marketing manager.
- He is looking at the menu to decide what to order.
- The police are looking into the cause of the accident.
- She is looking forward to her upcoming vacation.
- The nonprofit organization is looking for donations to fund their programs.
- He is looking to improve his golf game with lessons from a pro.
- The college is looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint.
- She is looking to buy a new car.
- The researchers are looking at data to identify patterns and trends.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words seeking and looking, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have distinct meanings and should be used accordingly. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Mistake #1: Using “Seeking” When “Looking” Is More Appropriate
One common mistake is using “seeking” when “looking” is more appropriate. For example, saying “I am seeking my keys” implies a more intensive search than saying “I am looking for my keys.” The word “seeking” suggests a deliberate and focused effort, while “looking” is a more general term. Using “seeking” in situations where “looking” is more appropriate can make you sound overly formal or even pretentious.
Mistake #2: Using “Looking” When “Seeking” Is More Appropriate
On the other hand, using “looking” when “seeking” is more appropriate can also be a mistake. “Seeking” implies a more active and intentional effort, while “looking” can be more passive. For example, saying “I am looking for a new job” suggests a more casual search than saying “I am seeking a new job.” Using “looking” in situations where “seeking” is more appropriate can make you sound less committed or serious about your search.
Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes
- Consider the intensity of your search and choose the appropriate word accordingly
- Think about the connotations of each word and choose the one that best fits the situation
- Read over your writing and make sure you have used the correct word
Context Matters
Choosing between seeking and looking can depend on the context in which they are used. While both words are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences that can make a big impact on the message you are trying to convey. Understanding these differences and selecting the appropriate word for the context can help you communicate more effectively.
Examples Of Different Contexts And How The Choice Between Seeking And Looking Might Change:
- Job Search: When looking for a job, you might say, “I am seeking employment opportunities.” This sounds more formal and professional than saying, “I am looking for a job.”
- Relationships: If you are looking for a romantic partner, you might say, “I am seeking a meaningful connection.” This implies that you are looking for something deeper than just a casual fling.
- Lost Item: If you have lost your keys, you might say, “I am looking for my keys.” This is a more casual and straightforward way of expressing your search.
- Research: When conducting research, you might say, “I am seeking to understand the underlying causes of this issue.” This implies that you are looking for a deeper understanding and are willing to put in the effort to find it.
As you can see, the choice between seeking and looking can depend on the context. It’s important to consider the tone and formality of the situation, as well as the level of effort and intention behind the search. By selecting the appropriate word for the context, you can communicate more effectively and convey the message you intend.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the general rules for using seeking and looking are quite clear, there are certain exceptions where these rules may not apply. Here are some examples:
1. Contextual Usage
In certain contexts, the rules for using seeking and looking may be different. For instance, in the sentence “I am seeking a new job,” the word seeking is more appropriate than looking because it implies a more active and determined effort to find a job. However, in a different context, such as “I am looking for my keys,” the word looking is more appropriate because it implies a less intense and more casual effort to find something.
2. Regional Variations
Another exception to the rules for using seeking and looking is regional variation. In some parts of the world, one word may be more commonly used than the other, regardless of the context. For example, in British English, the word seeking is more commonly used than looking, whereas in American English, the opposite is true.
3. Colloquial Usage
Colloquial usage can also affect the rules for using seeking and looking. In some informal contexts, one word may be preferred over the other due to its colloquial connotations. For example, in some slang expressions, the word looking may be used to imply a more relaxed or passive attitude, such as “I’m just looking for a good time.”
4. Professional Jargon
In certain professional settings, such as law or medicine, the rules for using seeking and looking may be specific to that field. For instance, in legal contexts, the word seeking is often used to refer to the process of filing a lawsuit, whereas looking would not be appropriate.
Overall, while there are some exceptions to the rules for using seeking and looking, it is important to understand the general guidelines for these words in order to use them correctly and effectively in writing and speech.
Practice Exercises
Now that we have a clear understanding of the differences between seeking and looking, it’s time to put our knowledge to the test. Below are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences.
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct word (seeking or looking) to fill in the blank in each sentence below:
- She is ___________ a new job that pays better.
- He is ___________ for his lost keys.
- They are ___________ advice on how to start a business.
- I am ___________ forward to seeing you at the party.
- We are ___________ a solution to the problem.
Answer Key:
- seeking
- looking
- seeking
- looking
- seeking
Exercise 2: Sentence Completion
Complete each sentence below with the correct form of seeking or looking:
- When she lost her job, she began ___________ for a new one.
- He spent hours ___________ through the telescope.
- They are ___________ to expand their business into new markets.
- She was ___________ for a way to improve her writing skills.
- We are ___________ forward to working with you on this project.
Answer Key:
- seeking
- looking
- seeking
- looking
- looking
Exercise 3: Writing Practice
Write a paragraph (5-7 sentences) using both seeking and looking in context. Be sure to use the words correctly and clearly convey the difference in meaning between them.
Example Answer:
As a recent college graduate, I am currently seeking a job in my field of study. I have been looking for opportunities online and attending job fairs to increase my chances of finding the right fit. While looking for a job can be stressful, I am confident that my hard work will pay off and I will find the perfect position for me. In the meantime, I am also seeking ways to improve my skills and gain more experience through internships and volunteer work.
Conclusion
After exploring the nuances between seeking and looking, it is clear that these two verbs are not interchangeable. Seeking implies a deeper level of intention and effort than looking, and it often involves a specific goal or objective. On the other hand, looking is more casual and can refer to a general scan of one’s surroundings.
It’s important to understand the differences between these two verbs in order to use them correctly in writing and conversation. Using the wrong word can lead to confusion and miscommunication, which can be detrimental in professional and personal settings.
Key Takeaways
- Seeking implies a more intentional and focused effort than looking.
- Looking is more casual and can refer to a general scan of one’s surroundings.
- Using the wrong verb can lead to confusion and miscommunication.
By paying attention to the subtle differences between seeking and looking, you can improve your communication skills and convey your intentions more clearly. It’s also important to continue learning about grammar and language use in order to sharpen your writing and speaking abilities.
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.