Seek For vs. Seek – Which is Correct?
The correct and standard English phrase is seek. The addition of “for” after “seek” is almost always redundant and grammatically incorrect in modern usage. “Seek” is a transitive verb that directly takes its object.
Seek For or Seek – Which is Correct?
The distinction between “seek for” and “seek” is straightforward: “seek” is the correct form, and “seek for” is generally considered redundant or incorrect. The verb “seek” inherently carries the meaning of searching or looking for something, making the explicit addition of the preposition “for” unnecessary. It functions as a transitive verb, meaning it directly takes an object without needing an intervening preposition.
The root cause of confusion often stems from other verbs like “look for” or “search for,” which do require “for.” However, “seek” operates differently. While “seek for” might occasionally appear in archaic texts or certain regional dialects, it is not standard in contemporary English.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
The easiest way to remember the correct usage is to apply the “Direct Object Test.” If you can place the object of your search immediately after the verb, then no preposition is needed.
- Can you “seek knowledge”? Yes.
- Can you “seek adventure”? Yes.
- Can you “seek advice”? Yes.
Since “seek” works perfectly with a direct object, you do not need “for.” Think of “seek” as a more formal synonym for “look for” that has already absorbed the “for.”
| Word/Phrase | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seek | Verb | To try to find or obtain something; to look for. | She decided to seek a new opportunity abroad. |
| Seek for | Incorrect/Redundant Phrase | Grammatically redundant; the “for” is unnecessary. | Incorrect: He will seek for guidance from his mentor. |
How to Use Seek
The verb “seek” is used to express the act of trying to find, obtain, or achieve something. It often implies a deliberate and active effort. “Seek” can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it tends to lend a slightly more formal or earnest tone than “look for” or “search for.” It is always used as a transitive verb, directly followed by the noun or pronoun representing what is being sought.
Example 1: The company decided to seek innovative solutions to its logistical challenges.
Example 2: Many students seek knowledge and personal growth during their university years.
Example 3: After the accident, he had to seek medical attention immediately.
What are the different forms of Seek?
“Seek” is an irregular verb, meaning its past tense and past participle forms do not follow the standard -ed ending.
- Base Form (Present Simple): seek (e.g., I seek, you seek, we seek, they seek)
- Third-Person Singular (Present Simple): seeks (e.g., He seeks, she seeks, it seeks)
- Past Simple: sought (e.g., I sought, he sought, they sought)
- Past Participle: sought (e.g., I have sought, it was sought)
- Present Participle: seeking (e.g., I am seeking, they are seeking)
Etymology of the word Seek
The word “seek” has deep roots in Old English, deriving from sēcan, which meant “to search for, pursue, strive after.” This Old English term can be traced back further to Proto-Germanic *sōkijaną and ultimately to the Proto-Indo-European root *seh₂g-, meaning “to track, to seek out.” Over centuries, its meaning has remained largely consistent, emphasizing the active pursuit or attempt to find something.
For a deeper understanding of these specific forms, you can explore the distinctions between Seek vs. Sought.
Related Concepts
Understanding a few core grammar concepts can solidify why “seek” is used without “for.”
- Transitive Verbs: These are verbs that require a direct object to complete their meaning. “Seek” is a transitive verb; you seek something directly. Other examples include “eat” (you eat food), “read” (you read a book), or “find” (you find a solution).
- Intransitive Verbs: These verbs do not take a direct object. They can stand alone or be followed by a prepositional phrase. For example, “sleep” (you sleep soundly) or “run” (you run in the park).
- Prepositional Verbs: Some verbs require a specific preposition to convey a particular meaning, forming a phrasal verb. For instance, “look for” (meaning to seek), “wait for,” or “rely on.” While “seek” could theoretically be used with “for” in older English, modern usage has firmly established it as a direct transitive verb.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7 (Bible)
- “We must ever seek the truth, and then be willing to follow it, no matter where it leads.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
- “The truth is rarely pure and never simple.” – Oscar Wilde (implies one must seek the deeper truth)
- “The young adventurer decided to seek fortune in the bustling capital.” – From a contemporary novel
- “Companies are constantly striving to seek new markets and expand their global reach.” – Business News, June 4, 2026
Seek Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Search (for) | To try to find something by looking or otherwise investigating. (Note: “search” often takes “for” when referring to an object) |
| Look for | To try to find someone or something. (More informal than “seek”) |
| Pursue | To follow or chase (someone or something); to try to achieve (a goal). |
| Strive (for) | To make great efforts to achieve or obtain something. (Often takes “for”) |
| Hunt (for) | To search for something assiduously. (Often takes “for”) |
| Request | To ask for something. (Often implies seeking formal permission or aid) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “seek for” ever grammatically correct?
While “seek for” was more common in older forms of English (e.g., in some biblical texts or archaic literature), it is generally considered redundant and incorrect in modern standard English. “Seek” is a transitive verb that directly takes its object.
Question 2: What is the past tense of “seek”?
The past tense and past participle of “seek” is “sought.” For example, “Yesterday, I sought advice from a colleague.”
Question 3: Can “seek” be used in a casual conversation?
Yes, “seek” can be used in casual conversation, though it often lends a slightly more formal or deliberate tone than “look for” or “search for.” For example, “I need to seek out a good coffee shop nearby.”
Conclusion
In summary, when faced with “seek for” or “seek,” the correct choice in virtually all modern contexts is simply “seek.” This transitive verb directly conveys the action of searching or attempting to obtain something without the need for an additional preposition. Remembering that “seek” already contains the idea of “for” will help you use it accurately every time.
Pro Tip: Using correct grammar, especially with common verbs like “seek,” enhances your credibility and professionalism in both written and spoken communication. Always opt for clarity and conciseness by choosing the most direct and standard phrasing.
