while seeking for...

[JEic]

"..... 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]

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]

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

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]

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

 

[teechar]

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