fishing for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fishing for" can be used in written English.
It means to search for something, usually information, and can be used in a variety of contexts. For example, you might say "She was fishing for compliments after her presentation".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fishing, for example.

Independent

You are fishing for answers.

The New York Times

He would go fishing for their genes.

The New York Times - Science

I was fishing for a recipe.

The New York Times - Magazine

She pauses, fishing for something more.

The New Yorker

"Perhaps it is rather fishing for Commendation.

The New York Times

Their principal occupation is fishing for lobsters.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I was fishing for gold.

The Guardian

"They were fishing for something.

The New York Times

John Connett took second place: "Fishing for excuses?

The New York Times

No more fishing for a myth.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fishing for", ensure the context clarifies what is being sought. For example, "She was fishing for compliments" clearly indicates she wanted praise.

Common error

Don't use "fishing for" without specifying what the subject is trying to obtain. Saying "He was fishing" is unclear; specify: "He was fishing for information".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fishing for" typically functions as part of a verb phrase, often used with the auxiliary verb "to be". It indicates an action of subtly trying to obtain something, aligning with Ludwig's examples that showcase various contexts of its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

16%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fishing for" is a common expression used to describe someone subtly trying to obtain something, such as information or compliments. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki contexts. While it maintains a neutral register, writers should ensure clarity by specifying what is being sought to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "seeking" or "angling for" may be used depending on the desired level of formality. Overall, "fishing for" is a useful phrase to describe indirect attempts to acquire something, but careful usage is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

angling for

A direct synonym, emphasizing the indirect approach to getting something, much like actual fishing.

searching for

Highlights the active process of looking for something, but misses the nuance of subtly trying to obtain it like "fishing for".

looking for

A general term for seeking something, which is a core component of "fishing for", but it's more direct and lacks the nuanced approach.

seeking

Focuses on the act of looking for something, but lacks the subtle implication of trying to elicit a response or discover hidden information present in "fishing for".

trying to get

Emphasizes the attempt to acquire something, which is a core component of "fishing for", but it's more direct and lacks the indirect nature.

hinting for

Implies giving subtle clues to get something, while "fishing for" can be more general and not necessarily involve hints.

in pursuit of

A more formal way of saying seeking or trying to obtain something, lacking the informal connotation of "fishing for".

aiming for

Indicates a goal-oriented approach but doesn't capture the subtlety or potential indirectness of "fishing for".

soliciting

Implies a more formal request, whereas "fishing for" can be informal and indirect.

courting

Suggests trying to gain favor or attention, but often implies a romantic context not always present in "fishing for".

FAQs

What does "fishing for" mean?

The phrase "fishing for" means to indirectly try to get or find something, such as information, attention, or a compliment.

How can I use "fishing for" in a sentence?

You can use "fishing for" to describe someone who is subtly trying to obtain something, like in the sentence, "She was "fishing for compliments" about her new dress."

What are some alternatives to "fishing for"?

Alternatives to "fishing for" include "seeking", "looking for", or "angling for", depending on the context.

Is "fishing for" an informal expression?

"Fishing for" is generally considered an informal expression and is suitable for everyday conversations and writing. While understandable in formal contexts, more direct alternatives might be preferable.