are in search of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are in search of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing the act of looking for or seeking something or someone. Example: "The organization is in search of new volunteers to help with the upcoming event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Parties are "in search of female voters".

Huffington Post

We are in search of buried treasure.

The Guardian - Film

They are in search of a better life.

The New York Times - Books

Increasingly, doctors said, patients are in search of quick gratification.

The New York Times - Style

We are in search of prey: zebra, wildebeest, Viet Cong.

Harvard Business Review

All three women are in search of their personal paradise.

The New York Times

The wizard and his associates are in search of an author and a story.

The Guardian - Books

"What we are in search of is a very mobile, very flexible, lethal force," he said.

The New York Times

"Most of them are in search of a life," Wahidi added.

The Guardian

All of them are in search of a good pickup game.

The New Yorker

She excels at playing slightly ditzy women who are in search of true love.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience: while widely accepted, "are in search of" might be more appropriate in written communication than in everyday conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "are in search of" in very informal settings or casual conversations where simpler alternatives like "are looking for" would be more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are in search of" functions as a prepositional phrase acting as a verb complement, indicating the object of the verb "are". This means it specifies what the subject is looking for, seeking, or trying to find. Ludwig AI validates its appropriate usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are in search of" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to convey the act of seeking or looking for something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across a wide range of contexts. While it can add a slightly more formal tone, especially compared to alternatives like "are looking for", it's important to consider the specific context and audience to ensure the most appropriate level of formality. As shown by the varied examples in Ludwig, "are in search of" appears frequently in news articles, academic papers, and various other forms of written communication, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are seeking

This alternative uses a more formal verb to express the act of looking for something.

are looking for

This is a more common and informal way to express the same idea.

are trying to find

This alternative emphasizes the effort involved in the search.

are on the lookout for

This phrase suggests a more active and vigilant search.

are hunting for

Implies a more aggressive and determined search, often for something elusive.

are pursuing

This alternative suggests a focused and determined effort to obtain something.

are after

A more colloquial way of saying "are in search of".

are endeavoring to find

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the effort being put forth.

are questing for

This phrase implies a longer, more adventurous search.

are fishing for

Suggests a subtle or indirect attempt to find something, often information.

FAQs

What does "are in search of" mean?

The phrase "are in search of" means "are looking for" or "are trying to find" something. It implies an active effort to locate or obtain something that is currently missing or desired.

When is it appropriate to use "are in search of"?

It is appropriate to use "are in search of" when you want to convey a sense of formality or emphasize the effort involved in finding something. It is commonly used in written English and can add a slightly more sophisticated tone.

What can I say instead of "are in search of"?

You can use alternatives like "are looking for", "are seeking", or "are trying to find" depending on the context.

Is "are in search of" more formal than "are looking for"?

Yes, "are in search of" generally carries a slightly more formal and literary tone compared to the more common and informal "are looking for". The choice depends on the intended audience and the desired level of formality.