frantically searching for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "frantically searching for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a hurried or desperate attempt to find something or someone. Example: "She was frantically searching for her lost keys as she was running late for her appointment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

People were frantically searching for their relatives.

The New York Times

(Try correcting typos when you're frantically searching for information on a Web browser or entering passwords).

The New York Times

Television images showed several people frantically searching for family members among the dead.

The New York Times

Avon announced in December that Ms Jung will soon go, and has been frantically searching for a replacement.

The Economist

He said yesterday: 'I had not slept for two days because I had been frantically searching for my sister.

The Guardian

He and Mr. Jobs spent several weeks frantically searching for Mr. Draper, who then lived in the San Jose area.

The New York Times

Eleven floors down from the Galloways' apartment, Gila Fortinsky was frantically searching for her 2-year-old daughter, Rachel.

The New York Times

For example, there is no such thing as an intercostal clavicle, the bone Cary Grant is frantically searching for in "Bringing Up Baby".

The New York Times - Science

But, because Dodge realized that the fire would beat them to the top, his prefrontal cortex started frantically searching for an alternative.

The New Yorker

Even in mercantile Paris, this proves difficult, as the distracted Fadinard keeps darting away from his wedding party, frantically searching for a substitute.

The New York Times

Which is why, decades later, I was frantically searching for an instrument whose case still bore the address of my college dorm.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "frantically searching for", ensure the context conveys genuine urgency or desperation. Overuse can diminish the impact, so reserve it for situations where the emotional intensity is warranted.

Common error

Avoid using "frantically searching for" in situations that lack real urgency. For example, saying you were "frantically searching for" a parking spot makes you sound hyperbolic. Instead, save it for scenarios with significant emotional weight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "frantically searching for" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle phrase acting as an adjective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes an action performed with urgency and desperation, modifying a noun or pronoun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "frantically searching for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that conveys a sense of urgency and desperation in the act of searching. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it effectively communicates heightened emotion. To maintain clarity, it's best reserved for scenarios where intense urgency is truly warranted, avoiding overuse in trivial situations. For situations requiring a more formal tone or different nuance, alternatives such as "desperately seeking" or "urgently looking for" can be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frantically seeking out

Similar to the original, but adds a nuance of actively seeking something specific.

frantically attempting to locate

Focuses on the frantic attempt to pinpoint the whereabouts.

desperately trying to find

Expands the phrase to include the effort being exerted in the search.

desperately seeking

Emphasizes the desperation and urgency in the search, conveying a high level of need.

anxiously looking for

Highlights the worry and unease associated with the search.

urgently looking for

Highlights the immediate need and time-sensitive nature of the search.

madly trying to locate

Emphasizes the intensity and near-crazed effort in finding something.

hastily seeking

Focuses on the speed and lack of planning in the search process.

wildly seeking

Implies a chaotic and disorganized approach to the search.

eagerly seeking

Suggests enthusiasm mixed with the urgency of the search

FAQs

What does "frantically searching for" mean?

The phrase "frantically searching for" implies a hurried, anxious, and often desperate attempt to find something or someone. It suggests a sense of urgency and heightened emotion.

What can I say instead of "frantically searching for"?

You can use alternatives like "desperately seeking", "urgently looking for", or "hastily seeking" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "frantically searching for" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "frantically searching for" can sound somewhat informal due to the emotional intensity it conveys. In formal writing, consider alternatives that maintain a professional tone, unless the context genuinely warrants emphasizing urgency.

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

You can use "frantically searching for" to describe someone's desperate attempt to find something. For example: "After the earthquake, the rescue workers were frantically searching for survivors."