ferret out something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ferret out something" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to discovering or uncovering information that is hidden or difficult to find. Example: The detective was able to ferret out the truth behind the mysterious disappearance. Alternative expressions include "dig up," "unearth," and "root out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Yet, I was able to ferret out something more than what was already obvious to anyone trying to listen in at 89.9 on the FM dial.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr. Fuld's role was harder to ferret out.

The New York Times

Monthly reconciliation of cash accounts, for example, is undertaken to ferret out such conditions.

Harvard Business Review

And Ruby and Pasha are nosing around, ready for whatever they ferret out.

The New York Times

While MIB uses its database to ferret out fraud, it also offers a policy locator service.

Huffington Post

Those are the kinds of areas of risk that auditors are trained to ferret out.

HuffPost

Linked to wireless transmitters no bigger than postage stamps, they could be scattered by the tens of thousands, blanketing an industrial facility-or squeezed into leak-prone valves to ferret out failing seals, something not possible with far larger and more expensive conventional sensors.

MIT Technology Review

Kennedy himself wrote of this problem in "Profiles in Courage," arguing that no matter how many details a scholar can ferret out, "each man remains something of an enigma... shadowed by a veil which cannot be torn away".

The New York Times - Books

Ferreting out drug smugglers is a service to customs.

The New York Times

Ferreting out the hypocrisy in both conventions is easy pickings.

The New York Times

And something does go wrong, of course, in the elaborate plan orchestrated by Tony, who turns out to be a pretty good sleuth himself, ferreting out secrets that allow him to manipulate people.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ferret out something" when you want to emphasize a diligent and persistent search for information that is not easily accessible or is intentionally hidden.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "ferret out something" can sound less formal. In professional writing, consider using alternatives like "discover" or "ascertain" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ferret out something" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of finding or discovering something, often through careful and persistent investigation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ferret out something" describes the action of uncovering information through diligent searching, which is deemed grammatically correct by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to emphasize the effort involved in discovering something that is not immediately obvious. While mainly found in news and media contexts, its formality level is neutral but may feel less appropriate than other options such as “discover” or “ascertain” in certain formal writing contexts. When aiming to convey a sense of meticulous and persistent investigation, "ferret out something" remains a fitting choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncover something

Focuses on revealing something previously hidden, with a slightly broader scope than "ferret out".

discover something

Implies finding something new or previously unknown, without necessarily suggesting a deliberate search.

detect something

Emphasizes noticing or becoming aware of something, often something subtle or concealed.

expose something

Highlights the act of revealing something, often with a negative connotation of bringing something to light that was meant to stay hidden.

ascertain something

Implies finding something out for certain after some investigation.

elicit something

Focuses on drawing out a response or information from someone, rather than finding something independently.

bring something to light

Highlights the act of making something known, often something previously obscure or secret.

dig up something

Suggests a more intensive and possibly intrusive search for information, often with the implication of finding something that someone wanted to keep hidden.

root out something

Emphasizes the act of finding and eliminating something, often something undesirable.

track down something

Suggests a methodical and persistent search to find something specific.

FAQs

How can I use "ferret out something" in a sentence?

You can use "ferret out something" to describe the act of discovering information through careful searching or investigation. For example: "The journalist was able to "ferret out something" new about the scandal".

What are some alternatives to "ferret out something"?

Alternatives include "uncover something", "discover something", or "detect something". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "ferret out something" and "dig up something"?

"Ferret out something" implies a careful and methodical search, while "dig up something" suggests a more aggressive or intrusive search, often for information that is deliberately hidden.

Is "ferret out something" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "ferret out something" may be considered less formal. In formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "ascertain something" or "uncover something" for a more professional tone.