hunt

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "hunt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun to refer to the act of searching for something, or as a verb to mean the act of searching for something. Example: She enjoyed going on hunts for rare antiques.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Related: Spy agencies fund climate research in hunt for weather weapon, scientist fears Like so many military experiments, these trials failed but cloud seeding became a reality in 1967/8 when the US's Operation Popeye increased rainfall by an estimated 30% over parts of Vietnam in an attempt to reduce the movement of soldiers and resources into South Vietnam.

The Guardian

Under the ban, fox hunts can do everything except hunt foxes.

The Guardian

If you can hunt one down, it's well worth it.

The Guardian

The death mask is that of Daniel Good, whose success in evading a police hunt for weeks after he murdered his wife in 1842 led to the formation of a dedicated team of detectives.

The Guardian

The leading court at the UN will rule on Monday on whether Japan has the right to hunt whales in the Antarctic, an emotive case that activists say is make-or-break for the mammals' future.

The Guardian

However, he added, the hunt had been complicated by the fact that in parts of Mali, a whole village shares the same Sim card.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Anti-hunt campaigners say the market for captured dolphins in China is growing rapidly.

The Guardian

But we can and will rebuild | Tristram Hunt Miliband, who quit as an MP when his brother beat him to the Labour leadership in 2010, said he would not be returning to British politics for now, but hinted he might be more involved in discussions about the future of Labour now that he is finally free of the soap opera surrounding him and his brother.

The Guardian

The opposition leader said the attempt to "micromanage" schools was an example of the government's "wrong priorities" – contradicting assertions by the environment minister, Greg Hunt, that the scheme had bipartisan support.

The Guardian

The health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, who has been criticised by some senior doctors for painting an unfairly negative picture of NHS staff and the quality of care provided, welcomed the report.

The Guardian

We are continuing our campaign, and continue to lobby for intervention from Ed Vaizey and Jeremy Hunt (who are responsible for superintending library services nationwide) to avoid yet more needless waste of public money and irreparable damage to our library service.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hunt" as a verb, clearly specify the object of the search (e.g., "hunt for clues", "hunt deer"). This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "hunt" in passive constructions where the actor is unclear. For example, instead of "The criminal was hunted", specify who was doing the hunting: "The police hunted the criminal."

Linguistic Context

The word "hunt" functions primarily as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to the act of searching or pursuing. As a verb, it describes the action of chasing or seeking, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

20%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hunt" is a versatile word that functions as both a noun and a verb, denoting the act of searching or pursuing. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and prevalent across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While "hunt" maintains a neutral register, its specific communicative purpose shifts based on context, ranging from literal pursuits to metaphorical searches. To enhance clarity, it's best to specify the object of the "hunt". Alternatives like "search for" or "pursue" can offer nuanced substitutes depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

search for

Focuses on the act of looking for something specific.

seek out

Emphasizes the effort and determination in finding something.

track down

Suggests a diligent search, often for something difficult to find.

pursue

Highlights the active following or chasing of something.

go after

Indicates an attempt to obtain or achieve something.

ferret out

Implies uncovering something hidden or secret through careful searching.

quest for

Signifies a long and challenging search for something of great value.

fish for

Suggests trying to obtain information or a response indirectly.

scout for

Refers to searching for potential opportunities or resources.

forage for

Implies searching for food or provisions in a natural environment.

FAQs

How can I use the word "hunt" in a sentence?

You can use "hunt" as a verb, meaning to pursue or search for something, or as a noun, referring to the act of hunting. For instance, "They went on a bear hunt" or "The police hunt for the suspect continues".

What are some synonyms for "hunt"?

Alternatives for "hunt" include "search for", "seek out", "track down", or "pursue", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the hunt is on"?

Yes, "the hunt is on" is a common idiom that means a search or pursuit has begun, often implying urgency or excitement.

What's the difference between "hunt" and "search"?

"Hunt" often implies a more active and determined pursuit, frequently associated with finding something elusive or hidden. "Search" is a more general term for looking for something.