while seeking for...

JEic · May 25, 2023

"..... it was senseless to continue living a hermit's life while seeking for a quick fortune." (Source: https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/seek - under the "Examples" section)

Is it only for some situations that "seek" needs a preposition like for or out? I thought a preposition is not allowed after "seek".

White Hat · May 25, 2023

This is explained here: "Both terms “seek” and “seek for” are correct, and there is no difference in meaning. Including the preposition “for” at the end is mainly a British English trend, but there is evidence that it was once more widespread than it is today."

teechar · May 25, 2023

JEic said:
Is it only for some situations that "seek" needs a preposition like for or out? I thought a preposition is not allowed after "seek".

I would not use "for". See the ngram below.

Google Books Ngram Viewer

books.google.com

However, "seek out" is used.

seek out phrasal verb - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com

Definition of seek out phrasal verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com

White Hat · May 25, 2023

Oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com has this entry under 'seek': 'seek for something/somebody (British English): They sought in vain for somewhere to shelter.'.

teechar · May 25, 2023

OK, but I think most native speakers today would use "searched" instead of "sought" in that sentence.

while seeking for...

JEic

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White Hat

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teechar

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