continue to search for

USAGE SUMMARY

"continue to search for" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to show that an action will continue in the future. Example: After weeks of unsuccessful attempts, she decided to continue to search for a new job. In this sentence, it is clear that the action of searching for a job will continue in the future, even though it has been difficult so far.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Officers continue to search for suspects.

The New York Times

Detectives continue to search for her killer.

The New York Times

Still, they continue to search for offense.

The New York Times - Sports

We continue to search for that".

The New York Times - Sports

Police continue to search for other suspects.

The Washington Post

Her family & others continue to search for her.

The New Yorker

The Yankees continue to search for pitching help.

The New York Times - Sports

To continue to search for this answer is fruitless.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Your son should also continue to search for scholarships.

The New York Times

Software Engineers continue to search for efficient ways to build high quality systems.

Information and Software Technology

But the Yankees continue to search for a backup catcher, to lighten Posada's heavy workload.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "continue to search for", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being searched for. Be specific to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "They continue to search for", specify "They continue to search for the missing artifact".

Common error

Avoid using redundant phrases that unnecessarily repeat the idea of continuation. For example, instead of saying "They continue to still search for", remove "still" as it is already implied by "continue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continue to search for" functions as a verb phrase indicating the ongoing nature of an action. Ludwig examples confirm its role in expressing persistence and sustained effort in seeking something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically correct construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "continue to search for" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to express ongoing efforts to find something. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples reveals its prevalence in news, scientific, and formal contexts. While straightforward in meaning, it's essential to use it with specificity, clarifying the object of the search to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases like "keep seeking" or "persist in the search for" can offer nuanced alternatives. Remember to avoid redundancy by omitting unnecessary adverbs like "still", and, as Ludwig AI confirms, both "continue to search" and "continue searching" are acceptable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep seeking

Replaces "continue to search" with a more concise verb phrase, focusing on the ongoing nature of the search.

carry on looking for

Uses a phrasal verb to convey the continuous aspect of searching, maintaining a casual tone.

persist in the search for

Emphasizes the perseverance and determination in the search, adding a layer of intensity.

don't give up seeking

Emphasizes the importance of not surrendering the search.

remain in pursuit of

Formal and emphasizes the active chasing or seeking of something, suitable for more serious contexts.

sustain the quest for

Elevates the search to a "quest", suggesting a long and important journey or endeavor.

endure the search for

Highlights the difficulties and challenges associated with the search, suggesting it is a long and arduous process.

proceed to investigate

Shifts the focus to a systematic and methodical investigation, rather than a general search.

never stop exploring

Changes the focus from looking for something specific to general exploration and discovery.

keep striving for

Shifts the meaning slightly to striving or working towards a goal, which might involve searching as a part of it.

FAQs

How can I use "continue to search for" in a sentence?

You can use "continue to search for" to indicate an ongoing effort to find something, like: "Despite the challenges, researchers "continue to search for" a cure for the disease".

What are some alternatives to "continue to search for"?

Alternatives include "keep seeking", "persist in the search for", or "carry on looking for", depending on the desired tone and emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to say "continue searching for" instead of "continue to search for"?

Yes, "continue searching for" is also grammatically correct and often preferred for its conciseness. Both forms are acceptable, but the choice depends on stylistic preference.

What is the difference between "continue to search for" and "resume searching for"?

"Continue to search for" implies an uninterrupted, ongoing search, while "resume searching for" indicates that the search was previously paused or interrupted and is now starting again.