in search for

USAGE SUMMARY

"in search for" is a correct usage in written English.
You can use it when you are looking for something or someone, such as in the example sentence: "I've been in search for a new job for the past month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Google has revealed its "Year in Search" for 2014, including most searched-for holiday destinations.

Independent

Police use Facebook in search for owner.

The Washington Post

They tweeted: "Body located in search for missing Gosport kayaker.

The Guardian

We empirically address value appropriation hazards when firms enter into external relationships in search for innovation.

Research Policy

We're also looking out for those migrating to their relatives in search for food.

The Guardian

An hour afterward, Americans came to the area in search for insurgents.

The New York Times

A woman has hired a helicopter to help in search for her missing dog.

The Guardian - Opinion

In search for the most suitable community to focus on, I was led to the homeless".

The Guardian

It's a film which drifts onward in search for an epiphany which doesn't quite materialise.

The Guardian - Film

("Fantasy cult angle probed in search for computer whiz," read one headline).

The New Yorker

This allows roots to explore a larger volume of soil in search for nutrients and water.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in search for" when you want to emphasize the active and intentional nature of looking for something. For example, "Researchers are in search for a cure for the disease" conveys a more determined effort than "Researchers are looking for a cure for the disease".

Common error

Be mindful of redundant phrasing when using "in search for". Avoid adding unnecessary words that repeat the idea of searching. For instance, instead of saying "They are actively in search for", simply use "They are in search for".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in search for" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate the purpose or reason behind an action. Ludwig AI states that this is a correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The prepositional phrase "in search for" is used to express the act of actively looking for something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, showing its widespread acceptance in English writing. It appears frequently across various contexts, notably in news, scientific, and academic domains. While generally neutral in tone, careful attention should be paid to avoid redundancy and the best style practices. Related phrases include ""looking for"", "seeking", and "searching for", each offering subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looking for

A more direct and common way of expressing the act of trying to find something.

trying to find

A simple and direct way to express the act of attempting to locate something.

searching for

Similar to looking for but often implies a more thorough and methodical approach.

seeking

Implies a deliberate attempt to find someone or something, often with a specific goal.

on the lookout for

Implies being watchful and attentive in the hopes of finding something.

on a mission to find

Emphasizes the purpose and determination behind the search.

pursuing

Suggests a determined effort to achieve or find something, often over a longer period.

hunting for

Suggests actively seeking something, often with the implication of difficulty or challenge.

questing for

A more formal and literary term for seeking, often implying a grand or important search.

exploring for

Focuses on investigating an area or topic to discover something new or hidden.

FAQs

What does "in search for" mean?

The phrase "in search for" means actively looking or seeking something, often implying a deliberate and intentional effort to find it.

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

You can use "in search for" to describe someone or something that is actively trying to find something. For example, "The team is "looking for" new talent" or "The explorers were "questing for" a lost city".

What are some alternatives to "in search for"?

Some alternatives to "in search for" include "seeking", ""looking for"", "searching for", or "pursuing", depending on the context.

Is "in search for" formal or informal?

The phrase "in search for" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, alternatives like "seeking" might be preferred in highly formal writing.