an ongoing quest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ongoing quest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a continuous search or pursuit for something, often implying a sense of purpose or adventure. Example: "Her life has become an ongoing quest for knowledge and self-discovery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

There is an ongoing quest for drugs that affect the brain with greater specificity.

The New Yorker

The bigger picture for the Edinburgh club is an ongoing quest for promotion back to the top division.

The Guardian - Sport

His own deceptively simple, almost naive pictures are the result of an ongoing quest for the abstraction and simplification of form and colour.

The Economist

Yaqui was as magnanimous in defeat as Muhammad was in victory as both men praised the other before the orphaned American took the opportunity to highlight an ongoing quest to discover his biological parents.

The Guardian - Sport

In an era when Bruce Willis has an ongoing quest to become the rudest, most sullen interviewee in history, it's refreshing to note that a far more celebrated star in the Hollywood firmament is quite happy to kick back with the people and share a few inspired anecdotes.

The Guardian - Film

For early diagnosis of diseases, the need of ultralow detection limit is an ongoing quest.

Biosensors and Bioelectronics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Spirituality is a quest--an ongoing pursuit.

Huffington Post

The company recently made spaceflight history by returning Falcon 9 rockets to landing pads on land and sea – a key step in Musk's ongoing quest to develop a relatively inexpensive, reusable launch vehicle.

The Guardian - Tech

Nevertheless, Washington continues to have an enormous stake in the Mubarak regime, for on assuming office Mubarak immediately reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to the peace treaty with Israel, began reëstablishing the nation's place as a leader in the Arab world, and set to work behind the scenes as a mediator in the ongoing quest for Middle Eastern peace.

The New Yorker

And today, to put that money where its mouth is, BlueStacks is announcing the release of the first products that will be a part of its ongoing quest to do just that.

TechCrunch

In our ongoing quest for an ideal completely miscible polyphosphazene polyester blend system, we report synthesis and characterization of a mixed-substituent biodegradable polyphosphazene poly[(glycine ethyl glycinato 1 phenyl phenoxy)1phosphazene] (PNGEG/PhPh) and its blends with a polyester.

Biomaterials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an ongoing quest" when you want to convey a sense of purpose and continuous effort in a search or pursuit. It adds a touch of adventure and determination to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "an ongoing quest" in mundane or trivial situations. Reserve it for scenarios where the pursuit genuinely involves a significant challenge or a meaningful goal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ongoing quest" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a continuous and purposeful search or pursuit, highlighting the sustained nature of the endeavor. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where the phrase often qualifies a subject or object.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an ongoing quest" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a continuous and purposeful search. It appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase conveys a sense of dedication and sustained effort. When using this phrase, ensure it fits the context and isn't applied to trivial situations. Alternatives like "a continuing search" or "a persistent pursuit" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a continuing search

Emphasizes the act of searching without necessarily implying a grand purpose.

a persistent pursuit

Highlights the determination and tenacity in the search.

a never-ending journey

Suggests a prolonged and possibly indefinite exploration.

a sustained effort

Focuses on the continuous exertion of energy towards a goal.

a constant endeavor

Implies a consistent and earnest attempt to achieve something.

a perpetual exploration

Highlights the exploratory nature of the pursuit and its endless quality.

a relentless drive

Stresses the unwavering and forceful nature of the pursuit.

a continual striving

Emphasizes the continuous effort and ambition involved.

a chronic aspiration

Indicates a long-lasting and deeply ingrained desire.

an unceasing campaign

Implies a strategic and continuous effort, often towards a specific cause.

FAQs

What does "an ongoing quest" mean?

The phrase "an ongoing quest" refers to a continuous search or pursuit, often implying a sense of adventure, purpose, and determination. It suggests that the search is not just a one-time effort, but a sustained endeavor.

How can I use "an ongoing quest" in a sentence?

You can use "an ongoing quest" to describe a continuous search or pursuit for something. For example: "Her research is an "ongoing quest" for a cure for the disease."

What can I say instead of "an ongoing quest"?

You can use alternatives like "a continuing search", "a persistent pursuit", or "a never-ending journey" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a ongoing quest" instead of "an ongoing quest"?

No, it is grammatically incorrect. You should use "an" before words that begin with a vowel sound, like "ongoing". Therefore, the correct phrase is "an ongoing quest".