a search for

USAGE SUMMARY

'a search for' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing an effort to find something. For example: "With a search for a way out of the city, they eventually found a path to the other side of the mountain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A search for limits?

The Economist

(EscapingNewcastle in a search for coal).

The New Yorker

It's almost a search for emptiness.

The New York Times

I'm on a search for happiness.

Independent

A search for alternatives awaits.

The Guardian - Sport

"This is a search for facts now.

The New York Times

"It's a search for justice," he said.

The New Yorker

A search for Tiara proved unsuccessful.

The New York Times

BLUE ARABESQUE: A Search for the Sublime.

The New York Times

Is it a search for fame?

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A frantic search for a hospital followed.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a search for" when describing the act of trying to locate or discover something, whether it's physical, abstract, or informational.

Common error

Ensure you use the correct preposition. It's "a search for", not "a search of". The latter implies possession rather than the object being sought.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a search for" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of seeking or trying to find something. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts ranging from literal searches for physical objects to abstract searches for concepts like happiness or justice.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a search for" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of seeking or finding something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, spanning from news and media to scientific research. While versatile, it's important to remember that the phrase is more suitable for neutral to formal registers. Common errors include using "search of" instead of "search for". By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use "a search for" in your writing to convey the intention of discovery and exploration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an attempt to find

Focuses on the effort made to locate something.

a quest for

Implies a long or difficult search, often with a noble goal.

a looking for

Emphasizes the action of looking, often in a casual manner.

a pursuit of

Emphasizes the act of chasing or striving after something.

an exploration of

Suggests a more open-ended and exploratory approach.

a hunt for

Suggests a vigorous and determined search, often for something elusive.

an investigation of

Highlights a systematic and detailed examination.

an examination of

Implies a careful and thorough inspection.

an inquiry into

Focuses on a formal or systematic investigation.

a seeking of

A more formal or archaic way of saying "a search for".

FAQs

How can I use "a search for" in a sentence?

You can use "a search for" to describe the act of looking for something, as in, "The expedition was /s/a+search+for rare artifacts" or "Her life was /s/a+search+for meaning".

What's a more formal alternative to "a search for"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "an inquiry into", "an exploration of", or "an investigation of" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "search of" instead of "a search for"?

No, the correct phrase is "a search for". "Search of" implies a different meaning, suggesting possession or control rather than the act of seeking.

What kinds of things can be the object of "a search for"?

The object of "a search for" can be concrete items (e.g., "a search for lost keys"), abstract concepts (e.g., "a search for happiness"), or information (e.g., "a search for relevant data").