What is the Past Tense of ‘Seek’? Is it ‘Seek’ or ‘Sought’?

Have you ever paused mid-sentence and wondered, “Wait… is it ‘‘Seek’ or ‘Sought’?” You’re not alone! This tiny yet mighty verb has confused native and non-native English speakers alike. And if you’re someone who wants to speak and write with confidence, getting your verb tenses right matters a lot.

Verbs shape how we communicate. Whether you’re writing an email, having a conversation, or telling a story, using the wrong verb tense can throw off your whole message. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of “seek”—a common English verb that behaves a little differently than most. You’ll find clear answers to questions like: What’s the correct past tense? Why isn’t “seeked” correct? How do I use “seek” and “sought” in real life?

We’ll break down grammar rules in a simple, friendly, and easy-to-understand format. You’ll also find examples, tables, tips, and comparison charts that make learning effortless. And don’t worry—we’ll avoid complicated jargon and keep everything light, helpful, and conversational. By the end, you’ll not only master “seek” and “sought” but also gain confidence in using other tricky irregular verbs too.

Ready to learn something useful and instantly applicable? Let’s get started!

🟢 Understanding the Present Tense of “Seek”

Before jumping into past tense forms, let’s first understand what “seek” means in the present tense. This will help you use the verb with more accuracy and clarity.

➤ Definition of “Seek”

“Seek” means to look for, search, or attempt to obtain something. It’s usually a formal or slightly elevated way of saying you’re trying to find something.

📌 Examples:

• I seek advice from my mentor.
  
• They seek truth and justice.
  
• We seek opportunities for growth.
  

➤ Verb Type: Irregular

“Seek” is an irregular verb, which means it does not follow the standard “-ed” rule for past tense. That’s why you don’t say “seeked” (we’ll explore more on that shortly).

➤ Grammatical Usage

“Seek” is often used in formal writing, professional communication, and even in spiritual or philosophical contexts.

📌 Examples:

• Students seek scholarships to support their studies.
  
• People often seek happiness in material things.
  

🔁 Usage of “Seek” in Present Tense

Here’s how you can use “seek” correctly in the present tense:

Notice how with he/she/it, the verb changes to “seeks” by adding an “s”.

✅ Present Continuous:

• I am seeking guidance.
  
• They are seeking approval.
  
• She is seeking a better life.
  

🔙 The Past Tense: Why It’s “Sought,” Not “Seeked”

Let’s clear up the confusion once and for all. The correct past tense of “seek” is “sought,” not “seeked.”

❌ “Seeked” is Incorrect

Why? Because “seek” is irregular. Irregular verbs don’t add “-ed” at the end like regular ones. You wouldn’t say “thinked” instead of “thought” or “buyed” instead of “bought,” right?

That same rule applies here:
Seek → Sought
Not: Seek → Seeked

✅ “Sought” is the Correct Form

“Sought” is the accepted and grammatically correct past tense of “seek.” It has been used for centuries and follows patterns similar to other irregular verbs like teach–taught or catch–caught.

❓ Why “Sought” and Not “Seeked”?

The reason lies in the history of English language development. “Seek” comes from Old English “sēcan”, and its past tense was “sōhte.” Over time, this evolved into “sought.”

English is full of these irregularities because it borrows from many languages. Some verbs changed with time, while others, like “seek,” kept their older forms.

So even though “seeked” may sound logical, it doesn’t follow English convention.

📝 Examples of “Sought” in the Past Tense

Let’s look at real-life examples so you can clearly see how to use “sought.”

• She sought comfort after the breakup.
  
• They sought justice for their community.
  
• I sought medical advice last week.
  
• We sought refuge during the storm.
  
• He sought answers that no one could provide.
  
• The team sought new ways to innovate.
  
• Travelers sought shelter before the rain.
  
• She sought forgiveness after her mistake.
  

Each of these examples shows how “sought” fits naturally when referring to past actions or events.

⚖️ Present vs. Past: A Quick Comparison

Here’s a side-by-side look to help lock in the difference:

🔄 Transition Between Present and Past

Switching between tenses is a natural part of storytelling. Here’s how to do it smoothly:

Incorrect: I seek help yesterday.
Correct: I sought help yesterday.

Transition phrases like “last year,” “yesterday,” or “earlier” signal that you need to use past tense.

Examples:

• Today, I seek advice. Yesterday, I sought support.
  
• We seek guidance now but sought truth long ago.
  

❌ Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake 1: Saying “seeked”

🛑 Don’t say: “I seeked a job.”
✅ Say: “I sought a job.”

Mistake 2: Mixing present and past in the same sentence

🛑 Incorrect: I seek answers when I sought help yesterday.
✅ Correct: I sought answers when I needed help yesterday.

Mistake 3: Using “seek” for casual searches

“Seek” is more formal. Use “look for” or “search for” in everyday cases:

• ✅ “I’m looking for my keys.”
  
• ✅ “They searched for the file.”
  

💡 Tips for Remembering “Sought”

• Mnemonic: “You sought it and caught it.”
  
• Sound pattern: “Sought” rhymes with “thought,” “bought,” and “fought”—all past tense forms.
  
• Memory Trick: Picture this — a knight who sought the Holy Grail, not who seeked it!
  

Create flashcards with the word “seek” on one side and “sought” on the back. Say them out loud. Use them in sentences.

🆚 When to Use “Seek” vs. “Sought”

🏡 Everyday Scenarios

Let’s apply this to daily life situations:

• Job Search:
  Present: I seek employment in tech.
  Past: I sought a career in finance before switching paths.
  
• Health:
  Present: She seeks treatment options.
  Past: She sought medical help immediately.
  
• Relationships:
  Present: We seek understanding in our relationship.
  Past: We sought counseling when things got tough.
  

🟨 Synonyms for “Seek” and “Sought”

🔎 Synonyms for “Seek”

• Look for
  
• Pursue
  
• Search for
  
• Strive for
  
• Ask for
  
• Try to get
  
• Aim for
  

📌 Example: He pursues knowledge wherever he can find it.

🕵️ Synonyms for “Sought”

• Looked for
  
• Asked for
  
• Requested
  
• Tried to find
  
• Investigated
  
• Attempted to get
  

📌 Example: She requested assistance from the manager.

🎯 Mastering the Verb Game: Tips for Handling Irregular Verbs

Learning irregular verbs doesn’t have to be painful. Here’s how to make it easy:

• Group similar verbs: think–thought, seek–sought, buy–bought
  
• Use them in stories
  
• Practice speaking with a partner
  
• Make visuals or comics that show actions
  
• Daily journal entries using 5 irregular verbs
  

📚 Study Techniques

• Flashcards: Make your own or use digital apps like Quizlet
  
• Daily challenges: Use “sought” in three sentences today
  
• Voice recordings: Say the verb aloud in different tenses
  
• Mini-quizzes: Challenge yourself to fill in blanks with the correct form
  
• Practice with a friend: Say a present verb, and they respond with the past
  

Conclusion: Be Confident with “Seek” and “Sought”

By now, you should feel more confident about using “seek” and “sought” the right way. These two forms are more than just grammar rules—they help you communicate clearly and effectively in daily conversations, writing, interviews, and storytelling.

Here’s the big takeaway:

• Use “seek” when you’re talking about now or future intentions.
  
• Use “sought” when you’re talking about something that already happened.
  
• Avoid the mistake of saying “seeked”—it’s not correct in standard English.
  

Whether you’re learning English or brushing up on your grammar skills, understanding irregular verbs like this gives you a solid foundation. Now you’re not just using them—you’re mastering them.

Keep practicing. Keep noticing patterns. And remember—every step you take makes you a better communicator.

❓ FAQs: Quick Answers About “Seek” and “Sought”

🔹 1. What is the past tense of “seek”?

The correct past tense of “seek” is “sought.”
❌ Not: seeked
✅ Yes: sought

🔹 2. Is “seeked” a word in English?

No, “seeked” is not correct. The past tense is “sought” because “seek” is an irregular verb.

🔹 3. How do I use “seek” in a sentence?

Example: I seek new experiences when I travel.

🔹 4. Can I use “sought” in present tense?

No. “Sought” is only used to describe past actions.
Example: She sought help last night. (✔️)

🔹 5. What are some synonyms for “seek”?

Some alternatives include: look for, search for, pursue, request, try to get.

Ruby Skye