are searched for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are searched for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing items, information, or people that are being sought after or looked for. Example: "The missing documents are searched for by the entire team to ensure they are found quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Various rare events are searched for - collisions when energy goes missing, or when an unusual number of jets, photons or other particles are produced.

The Guardian

I imagine my arrival, a black Venus rising from the foam, hauling borrowed Louis Vuitton through BAP Island customs, where my bags are searched for contraband.

The New York Times - Style

While some might argue that these photos are searched for rather than found, Jason Bitner, editor of Found Magazine (www.foundmagazine.com), is enthusiastic about the site.

The New York Times - Tech

The company pays for its search engine by harvesting the terms that are searched for, and then allowing advertisers to put content next to those ads.

Independent

All residues generated are searched for in the target polymer.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Time-periodic solutions are searched for using a previously developed overdetermined shooting method.

Journal of Computational Physics

Proofs for the model are searched for in the experimental results obtained.

Electrochimica Acta

Then weak, periodic signals and poorly characterized signals (e.g., generic bursts) are searched for.

Advances in Space Research

All of these states are searched for errors or desirable patterns.

Applied Soft Computing

After inserting the matching edges (black), they are searched for intersections.

Journal of Cheminformatics

The fragments included in filters are searched for in each structure.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are searched for", ensure the subject clearly indicates what is being sought. For example, instead of "Results are searched for", specify "Optimal solutions are searched for".

Common error

Avoid using "are searched for" in overly simple sentences where "are looked for" would suffice. The former can sound unnecessarily formal in casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are searched for" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is the recipient of the action of searching. As Ludwig AI explains, this structure highlights what is being sought rather than who is seeking.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are searched for" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive construction, suitable for formal and scientific contexts as well as news reporting. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its usability across a range of domains, particularly in science and news, where thorough investigation is often highlighted. While highly frequent, varying your word choice—perhaps using "are looked for" or "are sought after"—can add nuance to your writing and avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are looked for

A more common and straightforward way of expressing the same idea.

are sought after

Implies a stronger desire or need for the items being searched.

are hunted for

Suggests a more intense and determined search.

are investigated for

Indicates a formal or official inquiry is being conducted.

are explored for

Focuses on a more exploratory or investigative approach.

are examined for

Implies a detailed and careful inspection.

are scanned for

Suggests a quick or automated search process.

are scouted for

Emphasizes the act of looking for specific qualities or features.

are researched for

Specifically refers to academic or scientific investigation.

are canvassed for

Indicates a comprehensive search across a wide area or group.

FAQs

How can I use "are searched for" in a sentence?

Use "are searched for" when you want to emphasize that something is being actively looked for. For instance, "The missing documents are searched for by the team".

What's a less formal way to say "are searched for"?

A less formal alternative is "are looked for". This phrase is suitable for everyday conversation and informal writing.

In what contexts is it best to use "are searched for"?

"Are searched for" is often used in formal writing, scientific reports, and news articles. It implies a systematic or thorough search.

What words are similar to "are searched for"?

Similar phrases include "are sought after", "are hunted for", and "are investigated for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.