hunt it down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hunt it down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of searching for something or someone with determination. Example: "I need to hunt it down before the deadline approaches."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

He doesn't actually hunt it down to kill it.

The New York Times

ON SHOPPING If I want something, I will hunt it down.

The New York Times

You had to go out and hunt it down yourself," Martin told Ward.

The Guardian - Books

When bored or in search of danger, I would hunt it down, take it in my hands and look it dead in the eye.

The New York Times

To that end, a story is concocted in which Mr. Winters loses his sense of humor and is obliged to hunt it down or suffer permanent artist's block.

The New York Times

Mark Bowden's "Worm" is about the potentially diabolical piece of computer malware known as Conficker and the efforts of cybersecurity experts to hunt it down.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

"Cooper, I can't believe you did that," Ms. Orlean said, hunting it down on hands and knees.

The New York Times - Food

How do you desperately chase a game when you're so used to grandly hunting it down?

The Guardian - Sport

Among them were the serendipitous find, and, just as satisfyingly, the successful capture of a quarry after hunting it down all over town.

The New York Times

He tees the ball up and smashes it as hard as he can — past everybody on tour, it should be noted — and then hunts it down and smashes it again.

The New Yorker

The Nazis would have sought the Mona Lisa without rest, demanding it be handed to them upon their entry to Paris, and hunting it down if it were not.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hunt it down" when you want to emphasize a determined and persistent search. For a more neutral tone, consider "find it" or "locate it".

Common error

Avoid using "hunt it down" in highly formal or professional writing. It can sound too informal or aggressive. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "locate" or "acquire".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "hunt it down" functions as a dynamic verb, indicating an action of searching persistently and determinedly for a specific object or goal. Ludwig examples showcase this active pursuit in diverse scenarios.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

10%

Lifestyle

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Tech

4%

Sports

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hunt it down" is a phrasal verb used to describe a determined and persistent search. It's grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best to avoid it in highly formal writing where more neutral alternatives might be preferable. Ludwig provides ample examples that show the phrase’s proper usage across various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

track it down

Focuses on following a path or trail to find something.

locate it

Implies finding something's exact position or place.

search for it

A more general term for looking for something.

seek it out

Suggests a deliberate and intentional effort to find something, often something rare or valuable.

ferret it out

Implies uncovering something hidden or secret through persistent investigation.

pursue it

Highlights the act of following or chasing after something, often with the goal of capturing or obtaining it.

go after it

Indicates a proactive effort to obtain or achieve something.

chase after it

Emphasizes the dynamic and energetic pursuit of something.

scour for it

Indicates a thorough and exhaustive search, often covering a wide area.

root it out

Suggests finding something by digging or searching deeply, often to eliminate or eradicate it.

FAQs

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

You can use "hunt it down" to describe a determined search for something. For example, "If I want something, I will hunt it down" or "You had to go out and hunt it down yourself".

What can I say instead of "hunt it down"?

You can use alternatives like "track it down", "locate it", or "search for it" depending on the context.

Is "hunt it down" formal or informal?

"Hunt it down" leans towards the informal side. In professional or academic contexts, consider alternatives such as "locate it" or "acquire it".

What is the difference between "hunt it down" and "search for it"?

"Hunt it down" implies a more active and determined search compared to the more general phrase "search for it". "Hunt it down" suggests a persistent effort to find something specific, while "search for it" is a broader term.