being searched at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being searched at" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a location or situation where someone is undergoing a search, typically in contexts like security checks or investigations. Example: "I felt anxious while being searched at the airport security checkpoint."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The scientists also varied the risk of the would-be smuggler being searched at customs.

The Guardian

Soon we will all be living in reinforced compounds, gathering for desperate, Masque of the Red Death parties, with guests being searched at the door.

The New York Times

An airstrike by coalition forces mistakenly killed four policemen and two civilians whose car was being searched at a checkpoint in eastern Afghanistan, an Afghan official said Thursday.

The New York Times

A Guardian reporter was allowed on board with four alcohol miniatures despite being searched at the departure gate, while a number of other passengers with hand luggage were let on the plane without searches.

The Guardian - Business

The basement being searched — at 127B Prince Street, at the corner of Wooster Street — had also been used by the SoHo Playgroup, a parent-led space for preschool children.

The New York Times

Nigeria's first female bomber - a middle-aged woman - struck in June: Riding a motorcycle, she went to a military barracks in the north-eastern city of Gombe, where she detonated her explosives while being searched at a checkpoint, killing one soldier.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Bags are searched at checkpoints on the corners.

The New York Times

Northeast Corridor trains will experience delays while trains are searched at Newark or Secaucus.

The New York Times

In Beit Hanun in northern Gaza, a car was searched at a checkpoint.

The New York Times

In Rwanda, plastic bags are illegal, and visitors are searched at the airport.

The New York Times

Cars were searched at some airports before they reached the terminals.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being searched at" when you want to emphasize the location where the search is taking place, such as checkpoints, borders, or specific buildings.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions with "being searched". "Being searched in" or "being searched on" are grammatically incorrect; the correct preposition to use is "at" to denote the location of the search.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being searched at" functions as a passive construction indicating the action of undergoing a search at a specific location. It highlights where the search is taking place, as seen in Ludwig's examples about customs and checkpoints.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "being searched at" is grammatically correct and serves to indicate the location where a search is conducted. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is appropriate in various contexts, particularly in news and media, and science. To ensure clarity, always use "at" to specify the location and consider alternatives like "inspected at" or "examined at" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Avoid misusing prepositions by saying "being searched in". Although the examples are not very frequent, its use is widely accepted and understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undergoing a search at

Replaces the passive voice with a more direct action, emphasizing the process of searching.

subject to search at

Highlights the potential or obligation to be searched at a particular location.

inspected at

Focuses on a more formal or official examination process.

examined at

Emphasizes a detailed and careful look, often for specific purposes.

screened at

Suggests a method of filtering or checking for specific items or attributes.

frisked at

Implies a quick, physical search of a person.

being checked at

Indicates a general verification or confirmation process.

searched during

Shifts the focus to the activity during which the search occurs.

being investigated at

Indicates a more in-depth inquiry, often related to a specific incident.

having belongings searched at

Specifies that personal items are the target of the search.

FAQs

How can I use "being searched at" in a sentence?

You can use "being searched at" to indicate the location where a search is conducted, such as "Passengers are "subject to search at" the airport security checkpoint."

What are some alternatives to "being searched at"?

Alternatives include "inspected at", "examined at", or "screened at", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "being searched in" instead of "being searched at"?

No, "being searched in" is grammatically incorrect. The correct preposition to use is "at" to indicate the location, as in "being searched at the border crossing".

What is the difference between "being searched at" and "being investigated at"?

"Being searched at" refers to a physical search of a person or their belongings at a specific location, while "being investigated at" implies a more comprehensive inquiry into a person's actions or background at a particular place.