are searching for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are searching for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is actively looking for something or someone. Example: "The researchers are searching for new methods to improve energy efficiency in buildings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

People are searching for suspects.

The New York Times

They are searching for survivors.

Independent

Police are searching for suspects.

The New York Times

"They are searching for it.

The New York Times - Science

Investigators are searching for leads.

The New York Times

Police are searching for two gunmen.

The New York Times

They are searching for moose tracks.

The New York Times

Police are searching for the gunman.

The New York Times

Police are searching for a suspect.

The New York Times

Police are searching for the suspect.

The New York Times

Police are searching for two suspects.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about investigations, use "are searching for" to denote active efforts to locate evidence or suspects.

Common error

While "are searching for" is acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "are seeking" in academic or business contexts to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are searching for" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present continuous construction. It indicates an ongoing action of looking or seeking. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academic

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are searching for" is a grammatically sound and versatile verb phrase used to describe an ongoing quest or investigation. As Ludwig AI explains, it is suitable for many contexts, particularly in news and media. While its neutral tone makes it widely applicable, remember that more formal alternatives like ""are seeking"" might be preferred in professional or academic writing. This phrase is frequently employed when conveying active efforts to locate something or someone, whether it be suspects, solutions, or resources. Ultimately, "are searching for" provides a clear and direct way to express the action of actively seeking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are seeking

Replaces "searching" with a more formal synonym, implying a deliberate effort to find something.

are looking for

Uses a more common and informal verb, maintaining the core meaning of seeking something.

are trying to find

Emphasizes the effort involved in the search, highlighting the attempt to locate something.

are in pursuit of

Implies a more active and determined search, often for something elusive or difficult to obtain.

are hunting for

Suggests a more intense and focused search, often with the connotation of finding something specific.

are exploring for

Indicates a search that involves investigation or discovery, often in a broader context.

are scouting for

Suggests a reconnaissance or preliminary search, often for potential opportunities or resources.

are questing for

Implies a long and challenging search, often with a sense of adventure or purpose.

are rummaging for

Suggests a disorganized or haphazard search, often through a collection of items.

are fishing for

Implies a subtle or indirect search, often for information or a desired outcome.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "are searching for"?

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

How to use "are searching for" in a sentence?

The phrase "are searching for" is used to describe the act of actively looking for something or someone. For example, "Police are searching for the suspect" or "Researchers are searching for a cure".

When is it appropriate to use "are searching for"?

It is appropriate to use "are searching for" in both formal and informal contexts when describing an active and intentional search. However, in highly formal writing, alternatives such as "are seeking" may be preferred.

Is "are searching for" grammatically correct?

Yes, "are searching for" is grammatically correct. It uses the present continuous tense of the verb "search", indicating an ongoing action. This is according to Ludwig.