actively looked for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "actively looked for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a proactive effort to search for something or someone, indicating a deliberate and engaged approach. Example: "She actively looked for new job opportunities after her company downsized."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

They have actively looked for markets outside Germany".

The New York Times

Today, only people who are without a job and have actively looked for work in the last four weeks are considered unemployed.

The New York Times

Dean Caselli, 38, from Chicago, said he actively looked for code shares when booking flights online as a means to finding the lowest fare.

The New York Times

To be counted as a member of the labor force, a jobless person has to have actively looked for work during the previous four weeks.

The New Yorker

But they have tracked weekly data on injuries and survival rates, and actively looked for failures and how to overcome them.

The New York Times

The report also showed that 26% of jurors saw internet reports of the trial and 12% actively looked for information about their case.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Now they're actively looking for options".

The New York Times

They're actively looking for something downtown.

The New Yorker

He was actively looking for a job elsewhere.

Independent

(Only people actively looking for work are counted as unemployed).

The New York Times

Some of them will actively look for opportunities to murder.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "actively looked for" to emphasize a deliberate and intentional search, especially when contrasting it with a passive or accidental discovery.

Common error

Avoid using "actively looked for" when describing situations where the search was not intentional or proactive. For instance, don't say someone "actively looked for" something they stumbled upon accidentally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actively looked for" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a past participle construction or within a past tense clause. According to Ludwig, it indicates a proactive and intentional search effort. It emphasizes that the subject undertook a deliberate action to find something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

29%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "actively looked for" is a grammatically correct and usable verb phrase that indicates a deliberate and intentional search effort. Ludwig's analysis confirms its validity and provides examples from diverse sources, primarily within News & Media and Science contexts. The phrase is considered uncommon in frequency and is best used to emphasize a proactive approach, as opposed to passive discovery. When using the phrase, consider its emphasis on intentionality, and avoid using it in contexts where the search was accidental.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proactively searched for

Emphasizes the forward-thinking and self-starting nature of the search.

diligently sought after

Highlights the thoroughness and persistence in the search.

intentionally pursued

Focuses on the deliberate and purposeful nature of the action.

eagerly hunted for

Adds a sense of enthusiasm and excitement to the search.

assiduously searched

Emphasizes the care and attention given to the search process.

earnestly tried to find

Highlights the sincerity and determination in the search effort.

vigorously investigated

Implies an energetic and thorough examination during the search.

systematically explored

Suggests a structured and methodical approach to the search.

made a conscious effort to find

Highlights the deliberate and mindful approach in finding something.

undertook an active search for

Presents the search as a formal and committed endeavor.

FAQs

How can I use "actively looked for" in a sentence?

You can use "actively looked for" to describe a deliberate search. For example: "She "actively looked for" a new apartment near her office."

What are some alternatives to "actively looked for"?

Alternatives include "proactively searched for", "diligently sought after", or "intentionally pursued" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "actively searched for"?

While "searched" already implies some level of activity, using "actively searched for" can emphasize the intentional and energetic nature of the search. It is not strictly redundant but offers additional emphasis.

What's the difference between "actively looked for" and "passively waited for"?

"Actively looked for" implies a proactive effort to find something, whereas "passively waited for" suggests a lack of active searching and an expectation that something will be found without effort. The phrases represent opposite approaches.