continual search for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "continual search for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an ongoing effort or process of seeking something over a period of time. Example: "The scientist's continual search for a cure has inspired many in the medical community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Since 2006 my life has been a continual search for somewhere to live, somewhere to write.

The Guardian

Unfortunately, Donald Trump's continual search for approval seems to contribute to his unpredictability.

The New Yorker

The chronologically arranged exhibition exposed the weaknesses in his continual search for banality.

Independent

Mr. Miyake describes its theme as the "continual search for means by which to turn ideas into reality".

The New York Times

In Steve Coll's piece on Trump's choice to send fifty-nine mintoleSyriao Syria, he mentions the role that Trump's "continual search for approval" plays in his unpredictable decision-making (Comment, April 17th).

The New Yorker

But In C is also nearly 50 years old, and Riley's life in music is still a continual search for the fundamentally spiritual qualities that he believes the art form should embody.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

In our continual searching for antitumor natural products, many cytotoxic indoles and bisindoles with novel structures were isolated [5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16].

Natural Products and Bioprospecting

For the heuristic optimization methods, the continual search is commonly necessary, and the system function call is required for each search.

Applied Thermal Engineering

Colin's life was a continual search, and he was always progressing, as a man and musician.

The Guardian - Music

This continual searching continues until the conclusion of oestrus [24].

Plosone

Qualitative research explored barriers to attendance identifying a range of factors including accessing the minibus taxi fare which was reimbursed on a daily basis the continual need to search for a job to survive and for some young women how their male partners simply refused to let them attend [ 22].

Health Education Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "continual search for", ensure that the context clearly indicates an ongoing or repeated effort to find something, rather than a single, isolated search. For instance, "The company's continual search for innovative solutions led to several breakthroughs."

Common error

Avoid using "continual" interchangeably with "continuous". "Continual" implies a repeated action with intervals, while "continuous" indicates an unbroken sequence. Instead of "continual search for a solution (unbroken)", use "continuous effort".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continual search for" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an ongoing process of seeking something, which Ludwig AI indicates is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "continual search for" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that describes an ongoing or repeated effort to find something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it appears frequently in diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While "continual" suggests repeated actions with intervals, it's essential not to confuse it with "continuous," which implies an unbroken sequence. Alternatives like "continuous quest for" or "ongoing pursuit of" offer similar meanings, allowing for nuanced expression. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles, emphasizing its versatility and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continuous quest for

Emphasizes the persistent and determined nature of the search, highlighting the effort involved.

ongoing pursuit of

Focuses on the active and sustained effort to achieve a specific goal.

unending exploration for

Highlights the limitless nature of the search, suggesting a journey without a defined end.

ceaseless hunt for

Emphasizes the relentless and vigorous nature of the search, often implying urgency.

persistent seeking of

Highlights the determination and resolve in the search, emphasizing the consistent effort.

constant investigation into

Focuses on a systematic and thorough examination to uncover information or answers.

regular scouting for

Implies a routine and systematic approach to finding something, often in a specific area.

perpetual looking for

Highlights the never-ending aspect of the search, suggesting it is always present.

sustained inquiry into

Emphasizes the ongoing and in-depth nature of the search, often in an academic or formal context.

never-ending quest for

Reinforces the idea of a search that continues indefinitely, often driven by a strong desire or ambition.

FAQs

What does "continual search for" mean?

The phrase "continual search for" refers to an ongoing or repeated effort to find or discover something. It suggests that the search is not a one-time event but rather a persistent activity.

What are some alternatives to "continual search for"?

You can use alternatives like "continuous quest for", "ongoing pursuit of", or "persistent seeking of" to convey a similar meaning depending on the specific context.

How do I use "continual search for" in a sentence?

You can use "continual search for" to describe an activity that is repeated or ongoing, such as "The scientist's continual search for a cure has been a long and challenging process".

What is the difference between "continual search for" and "ongoing search for"?

"Continual search for" implies that the search is repeated with some intervals, while "ongoing search for" suggests that the search is currently in progress and has not stopped. The difference is subtle, but "ongoing" emphasizes the current state of the search.