Seek “out,” and out with it

February 6th, 2009 at 07:00am Barry Wood

“To boldly go where no man has gone before.”

This excerpt from the introduction to “Star Trek” episodes is often cited by usage experts trying to convince people that there is no rule in English against splitting infinitives. (By the way, there isn’t.)

My focus today, though, is on the “Trek” line before that one:

“To seek out new life and new civilizations.”

This is the only reason I can come up with for why so many people want to tack on “out” when using “seek.” The “out” is superfluous. Any sort of seeking can be done without “out.”

The next time you feel compelled to use “seek out,” take out the “out” and see if the meaning is altered. Of course, don’t monkey with it in “Star Trek” references, or you might get phased.

Otherwise, dare to go where too few writers boldly go.

Entry Filed under: wordiness, strict usage