go looking for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go looking for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are searching for something. For example: "She went looking for her lost cat in the neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nel says you go looking for trouble.

The Guardian

"I don't go looking for combats.

The Guardian - Books

We didn't go looking for this case.

The New York Times

I don't go looking for trouble.

The New Yorker

"Then they will go looking for them.

The New York Times

Don't go looking for something new.

The New York Times - Arts

I don't go looking for footballers.

The Guardian - Sport

I didn't go looking for them either.

The Guardian - Tech

I didn't go looking for people.

The Guardian

Sometimes they even go looking for it.

The New Yorker

Afterwards we go looking for a party.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "go looking for" to describe an active search, especially when the object of the search is somewhat uncertain. For example: "They went looking for adventure in the city."

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions after "looking". While "looking at", "looking into", and "looking over" have distinct meanings, "go looking for" specifically implies an active search to find something. For example, instead of saying "go looking at a job", say "go looking for a job" if you intend to find a job.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go looking for" primarily functions as a phrasal verb indicating an action of actively searching or seeking something. It builds upon the verb "go" to emphasize the initiation or commencement of the search, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

17%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "go looking for" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe actively initiating a search for something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, followed by Academic and Wiki sources, with a neutral tone suitable for various situations. When using the phrase, ensure the correct preposition "for" is used to avoid grammatical errors. Alternatives like "search for" or "seek out" can be used for similar meanings, depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

search for

A general term for trying to find something.

seek out

Implies a deliberate and focused effort to find something specific.

be on the lookout for

Means to actively watch for something to appear.

hunt for

Suggests a more intensive and persistent search, often for something elusive.

track down

Implies finding something or someone after a difficult search.

pursue

Indicates following a course of action to find or achieve something.

embark on a quest for

Implies beginning a long or difficult search.

scout for

Suggests looking for something specific, often with the purpose of evaluating it.

ferret out

Implies uncovering something hidden or secret through diligent searching.

fish for

Suggests trying to elicit a response or information indirectly.

FAQs

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

You can use "go looking for" to describe an action of actively searching for something. For example, "After the storm, we had to "go looking for" survivors."

What are some alternatives to "go looking for"?

Some alternatives include "search for", "seek out", or "hunt for". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "go looking for" or "go searching for"?

Both "go looking for" and "go searching for" are acceptable and have similar meanings. The choice often comes down to personal preference or the rhythm of the sentence. "Go looking for" might be slightly more common in everyday speech.

What's the difference between "looking for" and "go looking for"?

"Looking for" implies a current state of searching, while "go looking for" suggests the action of starting a search. For example, "I am looking for my keys" means I am currently searching. "I will go looking for my keys" means I will begin searching.