hunting for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hunting for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of searching for something, whether it be a physical object, information, or an opportunity. Example: "She spent the afternoon hunting for her lost keys in the garden."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Hunting for communication?

Independent

Hunting for auroras isn't easy.

The New York Times

It's about hunting for fun.

Independent

Hunting, for example, has declined in popularity.

The Economist

Bellowing for it, hunting for it.

The New Yorker

The government is now hunting for replacements.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

She hunts for words.

The New York Times

I'll hunt for food".

The New York Times

Boaters hunted for safe harbors.

The New York Times

The prolonged hunt for remains.

The New York Times

Let it hunt for itselfagain.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the nuance of "hunting for" versus simply "looking for". "Hunting for" implies a more active, determined, and possibly challenging search.

Common error

While "hunting for" is widely understood, it can sound less formal than alternatives like "seeking" or "searching for" in professional or academic writing. Choose your words carefully to match the tone of your piece.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hunting for" functions as a prepositional phrase acting as a verb modifier. It indicates the action of actively searching or pursuing something, often with considerable effort. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hunting for" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe the act of actively seeking something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely used. While predominantly found in news and media, it appears in various contexts, though it might be less suitable for highly formal writing. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "searching for" or "seeking" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

searching for

Focuses on the process of looking, emphasizing thoroughness.

looking for

A general term for seeking something, less intense than "hunting".

seeking

A more formal and literary alternative, often used for abstract concepts.

in search of

Implies a deliberate and often prolonged quest.

pursuing

Suggests a determined effort to obtain something, often against obstacles.

questing for

A more archaic and romantic term for seeking a valuable goal.

scouting for

Implies looking for something specific, often with the intention of recruiting or acquiring.

fishing for

Suggests trying to elicit information or a response indirectly.

ferreting out

Implies uncovering something hidden or secret through persistent effort.

on the lookout for

Suggests being vigilant and actively watching for something to appear.

FAQs

How can I use "hunting for" in a sentence?

You can use "hunting for" to describe the act of actively searching for something, for example: "The police are "hunting for" the suspect" or "I spent the day "hunting for" a new apartment."

What are some alternatives to "hunting for"?

Some alternatives include "searching for", "looking for", "seeking", or "in search of" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "hunting for" and "looking for"?

"Hunting for" suggests a more active, determined, and potentially difficult search, while "looking for" is a more general and passive term for seeking something.

When is it appropriate to use "hunting for" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "hunting for" in contexts where you want to emphasize the effort and determination involved in the search. However, consider using more formal alternatives like "seeking" or "searching for" in academic or professional settings.