being looked for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being looked for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something or someone that is currently sought after or desired. Example: "The missing documents are being looked for by the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Structure based drug design has revolutionised the way new drug molecules are being looked for.

Drug Invention Today

A reliable and flexible solution for leakage fault protection with selective has being looked for.

Procedia Engineering

Productivity improvements being looked for include dropping the costly second delivery.

The Guardian

"A young, pretty girl was being looked for in Portugal, and Shannon was a photogenic girl missing here in Dewsbury.

The Guardian

Since conventional wastewater treatment plants, mainly based on biological processes, are poorly efficient for the treatment of toxic and/or non-biodegradable and/or highly concentrated effluents, new solutions are being looked for.

Catalysis Today

By means of comparing current design codes regarding the fatigue of concrete and reinforcing steel, an appropriate approach is being looked for to represent the fatigue of the bond.

Engineering Structures

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

changes are looking for".

The New York Times

"I'm looking for doers".

The New York Times

What we are looking for.

The New York Times

You're looking for me.

The New York Times

They are looking for revenge.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being looked for", ensure the context clearly identifies who or what is doing the looking. This helps avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "being looked for" when the active voice would be more direct and clear. For example, instead of "The solution is being looked for by the team", consider "The team is looking for a solution".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being looked for" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of being searched or sought. As Ludwig AI points out, this construction is common in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "being looked for" is a versatile and grammatically sound passive verb phrase used to describe the state of someone or something that is the object of a search. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its frequency is very common, particularly in news and media contexts, with a neutral register making it suitable for a wide range of situations. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who or what is doing the looking, and consider active voice alternatives for more direct communication. Related phrases like "being sought after" or "being searched for" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being sought after

Emphasizes desirability or value in addition to the search.

being searched for

Focuses directly on the act of searching.

being pursued

Suggests a persistent and determined effort to find someone or something.

being hunted

Implies a more intense and possibly dangerous search.

being tracked down

Implies a careful and methodical search.

subject to a search

Highlights the action being performed on the subject.

under investigation

Indicates a formal inquiry or examination.

in demand

Highlights a desire for something or someone.

being watched

Focuses on observation rather than active searching.

being explored

Indicates something is being investigated or examined.

FAQs

How can I use "being looked for" in a sentence?

You can use "being looked for" to describe someone or something that is currently the object of a search. For example, "The missing child is "being looked for" by the authorities."

What's a more formal alternative to "being looked for"?

A more formal alternative could be "being sought after". This phrase implies a higher degree of formality and is suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is it correct to say "being looked for by" or should I use a different preposition?

The preposition "by" is correct when indicating who is doing the looking. For example, "The suspect is "being looked for" by the police."

What's the difference between "being searched for" and "being looked for"?

"Being searched for" implies a more thorough and systematic search, while "being looked for" can be a more general and less intensive search.