hunt down

USAGE SUMMARY

"hunt down" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It is generally used idiomatically to mean to discover, track, or otherwise locate something or someone. For example, "We need to hunt down more information on this topic before we can make a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Those T cells then hunt down and destroy tumor cells.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Books aren't the only things to hunt down at Word.

The New York Times

Jackson, meanwhile, slipped inside the Capitol to hunt down Letcher.

The New York Times

They are trying to hunt down and destroy you.

The New Yorker

Wildlife authorities often hunt down and kill problem elephants.

The Guardian

Later, special forces may be used to hunt down terrorists.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Hasen eventually hunted down his own copy.

The New Yorker

People spent years hunting down rare copies.

The New York Times

The Tutsi were hunted down and killed.

The New York Times

To be hunted down by you, pronto.

The Guardian - Books

Baker: Barney and I go hunting down in Texas.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hunt down" when you want to emphasize a determined and active search, especially when the object of the search is elusive or difficult to find. It implies more effort and persistence than a simple 'search'.

Common error

While "hunt down" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid it in highly formal or professional writing where a more neutral term like 'locate' or 'identify' would be more appropriate. Consider your audience and the tone you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hunt down" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, combining the action of hunting with the direction 'down' to intensify the search. It modifies a verb and express a defined action. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this phrase carries connotations of persistent pursuit.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

19%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hunt down" is a versatile phrasal verb indicating a determined and active search. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, though its register varies from neutral to somewhat informal. While frequently found in News & Media and Academia, its usage in highly formal contexts should be carefully considered. When a determined search is the target of your sentence, use "hunt down". When less aggression is required, use "tracking down", "seek out", or "pursue" to add more variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

track down

Implies a careful and methodical search, focusing on following traces or clues.

seek out

Suggests a deliberate effort to find someone or something, often with a specific purpose.

ferret out

Emphasizes uncovering something hidden or secret through persistent investigation.

pursue

Indicates a sustained effort to catch or achieve something.

locate

Focuses on finding the exact position or place of someone or something.

search for

A general term for trying to find someone or something.

run down

Can imply chasing and capturing, often used in the context of vehicles or information.

capture

Focuses on seizing or taking control of someone or something, often by force.

detect

Implies discovering something that is not easily noticed.

unearth

Suggests digging up or revealing something that was buried or hidden.

FAQs

How can I use "hunt down" in a sentence?

The phrase "hunt down" is used to describe a determined and active search for someone or something. For example, "The police are trying to hunt down the suspect" or "I need to hunt down a good recipe for dinner tonight".

What's a less aggressive alternative to "hunt down"?

If you want a less aggressive term, consider alternatives such as "search for", "look for", or "try to find". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "hunt down" in formal writing?

While "hunt down" is widely understood, it can sometimes sound informal or aggressive. In formal writing, consider using more neutral alternatives like "locate", "identify", or "find".

What's the difference between "hunt down" and "tracking down"?

"Hunt down" implies a more active and determined search, often suggesting that the object of the search is trying to avoid being found. "Tracking down" suggests following a trail or clues to find someone or something. Both phrases imply effort, but "hunt down" carries a stronger sense of pursuit.