hunted out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hunted out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of searching for and finding something that is elusive or difficult to locate, often implying that it has been thoroughly sought after. Example: "After weeks of searching, the rare bird was finally hunted out by the dedicated ornithologist."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

They informed on, hunted out, and participated in the rape, killing and torture of ordinary citizens.

The New York Times

With some of the larger scavengers — the condors and the vultures — we've hunted out their food base.

The New York Times - Science

The latter is required because the implication has always been that the first Australians arrived they had firing techniques and immediately hunted out the mega-marsupials.

Corridors to Extinction and the Australian Megafauna

I hunted out my 1994 review of The Sum of Us, directed by Kevin Dowling and Geoff Burton.

The Guardian - Books

So even if every last one were to be hunted out, it would still be possible to save those species and reintroduce them to the wild.

Yale University

I changed back into my pajamas and dressing gown, and on impulse hunted out my box of souvenirs — the perfume bottle, a few postcards, the pebbles.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Or any books we should hunt out?

The Guardian - Books

She exchanged presents that she had spent hours hunting out and worrying over.

Independent

Why didn't it hunt out in the open, someone asked?

The New York Times - Travel

Who will really miss me enough to hunt out this far?

The New York Times

Robert Fry, said that fixed checkpoints would be replaced by patrols to hunt out troublemakers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hunted out" when you want to convey a sense of thorough searching and the overcoming of challenges in finding something that was not easily accessible or readily apparent.

Common error

Avoid using "hunted out" when a simple 'found' or 'discovered' would suffice. The phrase implies a deliberate and often difficult search, so ensure the context warrants that level of effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "hunted out" functions primarily as a transitive verb, requiring an object. It describes the action of finding something after a thorough search. Ludwig provides various examples showing its use in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

22%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "hunted out" signifies a thorough and often challenging search that results in a successful find. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news, science, and academic contexts. While maintaining a neutral register leaning towards informality, its precise application enriches writing by conveying both the discovery and the effort behind it. When writing, remember that alternatives like "tracked down" or "sought out" can offer nuanced variations depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tracked down

Emphasizes the process of following a trail or clues to find someone or something.

sought out

Highlights the intention and effort in finding something desirable or specific.

ferreted out

Implies a persistent and clever search, often uncovering something hidden.

unearthed

Suggests discovering something that was buried or concealed, either literally or figuratively.

rooted out

Indicates the removal of something undesirable by searching thoroughly.

discovered

A general term for finding something, without necessarily implying a difficult search.

located

Focuses on finding the specific position or place of something.

identified

Highlights the act of recognizing or establishing what something is after a search.

pinpointed

Emphasizes finding something with great accuracy or precision.

traced

Suggests following a course or path to find the origin or location of something.

FAQs

How can I use "hunted out" in a sentence?

"Hunted out" implies a deliberate and thorough search, as in, "The librarians "hunted out" the rare manuscript from the archives."

What does "hunted out" mean?

The phrase "hunted out" means to have searched thoroughly and found something, often implying that the search was difficult or that the object was hidden or scarce.

What can I say instead of "hunted out"?

You can use alternatives like "tracked down", "sought out", or "ferreted out", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "hunted out" the same as "searched for"?

While both phrases involve searching, "hunted out" suggests a more intensive and often successful search. "Searched for" is more general and doesn't guarantee a find. "Hunted out" implies that something was eventually located after significant effort.