as we searched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as we searched" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that occurred simultaneously with a search or investigation. Example: "As we searched through the old archives, we stumbled upon a hidden treasure of documents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

As we searched for the owner, darkness rolled in.

The New York Times

The driver pointed out Andrew Young's childhood home and swung by churches as we searched for Mahalia Jackson's childhood congregation.

The New York Times

As we searched for Mr. Cruise ourselves, we were told by a friendly publicist that he would be coming later.

The New York Times

"As we searched for a new dean, we were seeking someone of Robert's vision, talent, energy and accomplishment.

The New York Times

"Sandra Cantu became our little girl, a child whose spirits touched us as we searched for her and prayed for her safe return".

The New York Times

I had a great time asking the vets on board about their duties as we searched for animals in the morning.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

As far as possible, we searched for systematic reviews and national or local clinical practice guidelines.

BMC Health Services Research

Using the carotenoid biosynthetic enzymes as queries we searched the TAIR and KEGG pathway databases.

BMC Genomics

Using known SPFH sequences as templates, we searched public databases for novel homologs.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Using these two sequences as profiles we searched the rest of the genome for similar sequences.

BMC Genomics

Using these data as query we searched for homology hits in our cDNA library.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as we searched", ensure that the main clause clearly benefits from the action of searching. For example, "As we searched for the missing file, we discovered several other important documents."

Common error

Avoid using "as we searched" when the search itself is the main focus. Instead of "As we searched, the results were inconclusive", consider "Our search yielded inconclusive results" to directly highlight the outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as we searched" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by indicating when something else occurred. It sets the temporal context for the action described in the main clause, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

41%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as we searched" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that acts as an adverbial clause of time, providing context to the main action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and shows its prevalence across various domains like News & Media, Science, and Academia. When using the phrase, ensure the main clause benefits from the action of searching. While versatile, avoid overuse if the search itself is the focal point. Consider alternatives such as "while we were searching" or "during our search" for slight variations in meaning or to avoid repetition. With these guidelines, you can confidently incorporate "as we searched" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while we were searching

Replaces "as" with "while" to emphasize the simultaneous nature of the search.

during our search

Uses a noun phrase to describe the search, providing a more concise alternative.

while conducting our search

Adds "conducting" to explicitly state the action of searching.

as we were looking for

Replaces "searched" with the phrasal verb "looking for", making it slightly more conversational.

in our quest

Replaces "search" with "quest", implying a more ambitious or determined search.

as we investigated

Substitutes "searched" with "investigated", suggesting a more formal or systematic inquiry.

during the search process

Similar to "during our search" but emphasizes the process aspect.

in the process of searching

Elaborates on the act of searching by using the phrase "in the process of".

in our exploration

Replaces "search" with "exploration", implying a broader, less targeted investigation.

as our search progressed

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the search and its advancement.

FAQs

How can I use "as we searched" in a sentence?

Use "as we searched" to describe a simultaneous action happening during a search, such as "As we searched the attic, we found old family photos."

What can I say instead of "as we searched"?

You can use alternatives like "while we were searching", "during our search", or "in our quest depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "as we searched" or "during our search"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "as we searched" implies simultaneous action, while "during our search" focuses on the time frame of the search itself.

Can "as we searched" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "as we searched" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific or technical contexts where describing the process of investigation is necessary. However, consider alternatives like "while conducting our search" for added formality.