Seeking vs You've been angling to run

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Seeking

Top 2,000 (common)

You've been angling to run

InformalTop 5,000 (fairly common)
Most formal: SeekingMost common: Seeking
 SeekingYou've been angling to run
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //ˈsiːkɪŋ//🇺🇸 //ˈsiːkɪŋ//🇬🇧 //jʊv bɪn ˈæŋɡlɪŋ tə rʌn//🇺🇸 //juv bɪn ˈæŋɡlɪŋ tə rʌn//
MeaningLooking for something or someone.You've been trying to get something done.
ExampleShe is seeking a new job in marketing.You've been angling to run the new project at work.
RegisterNeutralInformal
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Collocationsseeking advice, seeking assistance, seeking opportunities, seeking truth, seeking guidanceangling to win, angling for a position, angling to influence, angling for support, angling for attention
Antonymsavoiding, ignoring, disregarding-
Common mistakesConfused with 'seeked' instead of 'sought' as the past tense., Incorrectly using 'seeking' as a noun., Misunderstanding the context; 'seeking' suggests active pursuit.Misinterpreting 'angling' as fishing only, ignoring its metaphorical use., Confusing 'run' with other meanings, like 'manage'., Using in formal contexts where a direct approach is required.
Usage notesCommonly used in both formal and informal contexts. 'Seeking' may appear in job descriptions or personal pursuits. Avoid overly casual scenarios.This phrase is informal and typically used in conversational English. It implies a subtle effort to influence or achieve something. It's not usually appropriate for formal writing.

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Seeking
You've been angling to run

Frequently asked questions: Seeking vs You've been angling to run

What's the difference between Seeking and You've been angling to run?

Seeking: Looking for something or someone. You've been angling to run: You've been trying to get something done.

Which is more formal: Seeking and You've been angling to run?

Seeking is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Seeking and You've been angling to run?

Seeking is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Seeking: She is seeking a new job in marketing. You've been angling to run: You've been angling to run the new project at work.

Can I use Seeking and You've been angling to run interchangeably?

Not always. Seeking and You've been angling to run are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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