conducting a manhunt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conducting a manhunt" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of law enforcement or search operations to describe the organized effort to locate and apprehend a suspect or fugitive. Example: "After the escape, the police began conducting a manhunt to find the suspect before he could leave the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The police were still conducting a manhunt for the suspect.

The New York Times

But trying to find fugitives hiding in Afghanistan is like conducting a manhunt on the moon.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, Russian authorities have been conducting a manhunt for three women they fear may be planning suicide attacks targeting the Games.

Independent

The police, who are conducting a manhunt for the fugitive crew that ran the boat aground, were expected to serve notice on Monday that the castaways are either not officially in France -- the marine base would be given the legal no-man's status of a customs area -- or are in France illegally.

The New York Times

Police in New York are conducting a manhunt for an elderly man who allegedly shot his daughter-in-law to death early Monday.

Huffington Post

The Pentagon (undoubtedly with the help of the CIA and the National Security Agency) is reportedly conducting a manhunt for Assange, who is known to travel around the globe staying at the homes of friends and doing what he can to evade government notice.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The statement was left unexplained today as the government conducted a manhunt in Tehran and neighboring cities and towns.

The New York Times

Another suspect is still at large and the police are conducting a massive manhunt".

The New York Times

French police have been conducting a concerted manhunt for the perpetrators of the worst terrorist attack in France for half a century and the bloodiest single assault on western journalism in living memory.

The Guardian

Anti-terrorist police have been conducting a nationwide manhunt since 7 January when Christodoulos Xiros, a 55-year-old serving six life sentences for carrying out killings as part of the November 17 group, vanished while on prison leave.

The Guardian

The police are conducting an intensive manhunt for three purported representatives of the sheik who had been arranging that meeting.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "conducting a manhunt", ensure the context clearly involves law enforcement or authorities actively searching for a specific person, typically a fugitive or suspect. It is best used when describing an organized and intensive search effort.

Common error

Be mindful not to use "conducting a manhunt" in situations where a simple search is occurring. This phrase is reserved for high-stakes situations involving fugitives and serious criminal investigations; avoid using it when describing a simple search for lost items or people in non-criminal scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conducting a manhunt" functions as a verbal phrase, where "conducting" is a verb in its present participle form acting as a gerund, and "a manhunt" serves as the direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its common use in describing police action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "conducting a manhunt" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, predominantly found in news and media contexts. According to Ludwig AI, it describes an organized effort to locate and apprehend a suspect or fugitive. While its usage is not extremely frequent, when used, it typically refers to serious law enforcement operations. Alternative phrases include "launching a search operation" or "carrying out a large-scale search". When writing, reserve "conducting a manhunt" for situations involving fugitives and criminal investigations to maintain accuracy and avoid exaggeration. The most authoritative sources that use this phrase include The New York Times, Huffington Post, Independent, The Guardian and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

launching a search operation

Emphasizes the initiation of a broad search, less specific to criminal pursuit.

carrying out a large-scale search

Highlights the extent and intensity of the search effort.

undertaking an extensive pursuit

Focuses on the relentless chase after a specific target.

organizing a comprehensive search

Stresses the structured and methodical approach to the search.

executing a widespread hunt

Similar to a manhunt, but can apply to broader contexts beyond criminal pursuit.

pursuing a fugitive extensively

Directly indicates the act of chasing someone who has escaped.

searching relentlessly for a suspect

Emphasizes the determined and persistent nature of the search.

mounting a large-scale dragnet

Implies a comprehensive and coordinated effort to capture someone.

enacting a broad dragnet

Focuses on casting a wide net to capture a fugitive or suspect, implying a comprehensive search strategy.

performing an intensive investigation

Highlights the investigative aspect, potentially including but not limited to a physical search.

FAQs

How to use "conducting a manhunt" in a sentence?

You can use "conducting a manhunt" to describe law enforcement's active search for a fugitive, such as "After the escape, the police began "conducting a manhunt" to find the suspect before he could leave the area."

What can I say instead of "conducting a manhunt"?

Alternatives include "launching a search operation", "carrying out a large-scale search", or "undertaking an extensive pursuit" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "conducting a manhunt" formal or informal?

"Conducting a manhunt" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for news reports and official statements. More informal alternatives might describe simply "searching for" someone.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "conducting a manhunt"?

Use "conducting a manhunt" when describing an organized, large-scale effort by law enforcement or authorities to find and apprehend a fugitive or suspect in a criminal case. The phrase implies a serious and intensive search operation.