frantically looking for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "frantically looking for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone is searching for something in a hurried or anxious manner. Example: "She was frantically looking for her lost keys as she was already late for the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

They passed many others frantically looking for loved ones.

The Washington Post

Drug companies have been frantically looking for an agent to increase HDL levels.

Harvard University

"I was watching this wacko squirrel frantically looking for a place to put an acorn.

The New York Times

In the dark they ran, frantically looking for a way out.

The New York Times

Police officers and paramedics frantically looking for lost partners, some of whom were found and some of whom perished.

The New York Times

Suzuki tries in vain to keep Butterfly from coming in, but Butterfly is frantically looking for Pinkerton.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

I frantically looked for cheaper tickets everywhere; there were none.

The New Yorker

I held her up, hit her face, and everyone frantically looked for the [naloxone].

The Guardian

She resolved to find a way to pay for it and frantically looked for a job.

The New York Times

Dario Ramirez, a city councilman, shouted "I'm an elected official" as national guardsmen, surrounded by journalists and party activists, frantically looked for an escape route from the Caracas shopping mall where they took him into custody.

The Guardian

As he ran, Khalid told me, he frantically looked for that place that had been described to him by his smuggler: a small metal lip under the carriage that ran lengthways alongside the wheels.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional tone you want to convey. While "frantically looking for" emphasizes urgency and perhaps panic, ensure this aligns with the overall message. If a calmer tone is desired, consider alternatives like "urgently seeking".

Common error

Avoid using "frantically" repeatedly in close proximity. Its intensity can become distracting. Vary your language with synonyms like "urgently", "desperately", or by describing the character's actions in detail to convey their anxiety instead of explicitly stating it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "frantically looking for" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase to describe an ongoing action. As Ludwig AI highlights, it adds a sense of urgency and anxiety to the act of searching.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "frantically looking for" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that effectively conveys urgency and anxiety in a search. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability, backed by numerous examples from diverse sources. When using the phrase, consider the emotional tone and avoid overuse. Alternatives such as "desperately searching for" or "urgently seeking" can provide similar meaning with slightly different emphasis. While the phrase is prevalent in news and media, ensure its intensity aligns with the overall context, and consider more formal alternatives in academic or scientific writing if a neutral tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frantically seeking

Synonymous, but replaces "looking" with "seeking" for a slightly more formal tone.

desperately searching for

Emphasizes a sense of hopelessness and urgency in the search.

desperately trying to find

Rephrases the query to emphasize the act of trying and the state of desperation.

urgently seeking

Highlights the immediate need and importance of finding something.

anxiously searching for

Focuses on the worry and unease associated with the search.

in a frenzy searching for

Conveys the sense of agitated and uncontrolled activity while searching.

in a panic searching for

Highlights the fear and alarm motivating the search.

eagerly hunting for

Implies a strong desire and enthusiasm in the search.

wildly searching for

Suggests a chaotic and disorganized search effort.

hysterically searching for

Exaggerates the emotional state of the search, implying a loss of control.

FAQs

How can I use "frantically looking for" in a sentence?

You can use "frantically looking for" to describe someone or something searching with urgency and anxiety. For example: "The child was "frantically looking for" his lost teddy bear."

What are some alternatives to "frantically looking for"?

You can use alternatives like "desperately searching for", "urgently seeking", or "anxiously searching for" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "frantically looking for"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the urgency, anxiety, or panic associated with the search. Ensure that the context aligns with the intense emotional tone of the phrase. In cases where you want to imply a sense of calm urgency, consider using a phrase such as urgently seeking instead.

What is the difference between "frantically looking for" and "eagerly looking for"?

"Frantically looking for" implies a sense of panic and urgency, while "eagerly looking for" suggests excitement and anticipation. The choice depends on the emotional context of the search.