hunts up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hunts up" is not correct and does not appear to be a standard expression in written English.
It may be an attempt to convey the idea of searching for or locating something, but it is not commonly used in this form. Example: "He hunts up the missing documents every time they are needed."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He hunts up the middle of the field well and is a good tackler in the open field.

The New York Times

For it is clear that the method is in each case the same, that is, one hunts up the objective series, without any previous search or previous recollection.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Too busy to hunt up new stuff, and going into makeup soon.

The New York Times

A "fossilist" was someone who made a living hunting up specimens for rich patrons.

The New Yorker

Loftsson's company Hvalur plans to hunt up to 180 fin whales in the 2013 season.

The Guardian

And a new survey by Ipsos MORI reveals that a record 83 per cent of Britons are against legalising fox hunting, up from 72 per cent in 2008.

Independent

In Minnesota, about 3,600 licenses were available to hunt up to 400 wolves, which would reduce the state's numbers by about 15 percent.

The New York Times

One night, near dawn, he hunted up the old sleeping bag, dragged it into his mother's room, and lay down beside her bed.

The New Yorker

With only one "wallet" for points, consumers would not have to hunt up each program's options, limitations, and redemption rules.

Harvard Business Review

"My 14-year-old boy, Jared, found this, when my dad had him squirrel hunting up in the mountains about four years ago.

The New York Times - Sports

By S. J. Perelman The New Yorker, June 17 , 1933P. 20 Tells about the many people that hunting up books on taxidermy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "hunts up" in formal writing. Opt for more standard alternatives such as "searches for" or "looks for" to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Do not assume that "hunts up" is a universally accepted idiom. While it may appear in some contexts, it's not widely recognized and can make your writing seem unpolished. Always prioritize clarity and standard English.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hunts up" functions as a verb phrase aiming to describe the action of searching or seeking something. However, it's important to note that, according to Ludwig AI, this is not a standard expression in written English and it is likely to not be understood by a wide audience.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hunts up" is an infrequent and grammatically questionable expression, aiming to describe the action of searching for something. Ludwig AI flags it as non-standard English, suggesting that it's better to avoid it in formal contexts. Standard alternatives like "searches for" or "looks for" are preferable for clarity and correctness. While the phrase does appear in some news and academic sources, its limited usage suggests an informal register. When writing, remember that while "hunts up" might convey your intended meaning, choosing more conventional phrases will enhance the clarity and professionalism of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

finds

A general term for discovering or coming across something, more common than "hunts up".

looks for

A simpler and more widely accepted alternative to indicate the act of seeking something.

searches for

Replaces "hunts up" with a more common and grammatically correct way to express searching for something.

seeks out

Implies a deliberate and focused effort to find something specific.

tracks down

Suggests a more persistent and investigative approach to finding something, often after some difficulty.

locates

A direct and formal way to say that something is found.

unearths

Suggests uncovering something hidden or buried, either literally or figuratively.

ferrets out

Implies a skillful and persistent search, often for something that is difficult to find or is being concealed.

scours

Indicates a thorough and exhaustive search of a particular area or resource.

pursues

Emphasizes the effort and determination in seeking something, often over a period of time.

FAQs

What does "hunts up" mean?

While not a standard English phrase, "hunts up" seems intended to convey the idea of searching for or locating something. It's better to use phrases like "searches for" or "looks for".

Is "hunts up" grammatically correct?

No, "hunts up" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. It's advisable to use more conventional alternatives.

What can I say instead of "hunts up"?

You can use alternatives like "searches for", "looks for", or "seeks out", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "hunts up" or "searches for"?

Searches for is the correct and more widely accepted phrase. Avoid using "hunts up" in formal writing.