Look for clues

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Look for clues" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to search for hints or evidence related to a particular situation or problem. Example: "In order to solve the mystery, you must look for clues that can lead you to the answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Look for clues.

Los Angeles Times

Look for clues in Nature.

WikiHow

Look for clues in the other questions.

WikiHow

Look for clues around the drill hole.

WikiHow

Look for clues from the invoice address.

WikiHow

Look for clues within the clue.

WikiHow

Look for clues in your horse's name.

WikiHow

Look for clues about the file's origin.

WikiHow

Look for clues that can make questions easier.

WikiHow

Look for clues that indicate that you have corrupted files.

WikiHow

Look for clues that contain hidden extra information.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "look for clues", ensure the context clearly defines what kind of clues are being sought and where they might be found. This adds clarity and direction to the search process.

Common error

Avoid using "look for clues" without specifying the nature or source of the clues. Instead of saying "We need to look for clues", specify: "We need to look for clues in the financial statements to understand the discrepancies."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look for clues" functions as an imperative, urging someone to actively search for hints or indications. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English. It typically appears in contexts where information is incomplete or a solution is needed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

56%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "look for clues" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to encourage investigation and discovery. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it appears most frequently in Wiki and News & Media contexts. While versatile, it's important to provide clear context about the type and location of the clues being sought. Alternatives like "search for hints" or "investigate leads" can offer more specific connotations depending on the situation. Remember to avoid vagueness and specify the scope of the search to maximize clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Search for hints

Emphasizes finding subtle indications or suggestions.

Seek evidence

Focuses on finding concrete proof or support for a claim.

Investigate leads

Highlights the action of exploring potential paths to a solution.

Follow leads

Suggests pursuing and examining potential paths or pieces of information.

Examine indicators

Focuses on scrutinizing specific signs or signals.

Scrutinize details

Implies a careful and thorough examination of minor aspects.

Analyze data

Focuses on a systematic evaluation of information to uncover patterns.

Uncover evidence

Suggests revealing or discovering previously hidden proof.

Find traces

Emphasizes discovering remnants or signs left behind.

Detect signals

Highlights the act of recognizing faint or subtle indications.

FAQs

How can I use "look for clues" in a sentence?

You can use "look for clues" to suggest searching for information that helps solve a mystery or understand a situation. For example, "Detectives "look for clues" at a crime scene" or "Scientists "look for clues" in data to support their hypotheses".

What are some alternatives to "look for clues"?

Alternatives include "search for hints", "seek evidence", or "investigate leads", depending on the specific context and the type of information being sought.

Is "look for clues" formal or informal?

"Look for clues" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, more precise language might be preferred.

How does "look for clues" differ from "look for evidence"?

"Look for clues" implies searching for subtle or indirect indicators, while "look for evidence" suggests seeking more direct and substantial proof. Clues may lead to evidence, but they are not evidence themselves.