in search of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in search of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are looking for something or someone. For example, "He went out in search of the missing cat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Parties are "in search of female voters".

Huffington Post

Most migrants move in search of work.

The Economist

"I never went in search of fame.

Independent

They came in search of — what, exactly?

The New Yorker

In search of a great Mormon novel.

The New Yorker

In search of swans or some.

The New Yorker

Then I went in search of Tomasina.

The New Yorker

Some individuals travel in search of work.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She comes in search of a husband.

The New York Times

In search of solitude?

The New York Times

In search of the maestro..

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in search of" to add a touch of formality and intention to your writing when describing a quest or pursuit. For example, "The team went "in search of" new talent."

Common error

While "searching for" is similar, "in search of" is generally preferred when the context emphasizes a deliberate quest or expedition. Don't use "in search for."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in search of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb to indicate the purpose or goal of an action. It specifies what someone is trying to find or achieve. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"In search of" is a widely used prepositional phrase that indicates the purpose or goal of an action, suggesting a deliberate quest or pursuit. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news and media to formal business and scientific writing. While alternatives like "seeking" or "looking for" exist, "in search of" adds a touch of formality. Common mistakes include incorrect phrasing like "in searching of". To effectively use "in search of", ensure it aligns with the deliberate and intentional nature of the search being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Seeking

This alternative is a single word, more direct, and generally less formal.

Looking for

This alternative is more common and casual than the original phrase.

In pursuit of

This alternative suggests a more active and determined chase.

In quest of

This alternative is a more formal and archaic way of saying "in search of".

On the lookout for

This alternative implies watching and waiting to find something.

After

This alternative is a single word, more concise and informal way of saying "in search of".

Questing for

This alternative is more formal and literary, suggesting an adventurous search.

Hunting for

This alternative suggests a focused and determined effort to find something, often implying difficulty.

Exploring for

This alternative suggests discovering something through examination.

Fishing for

This alternative is often used when trying to elicit a response or information indirectly.

FAQs

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

Use "in search of" to indicate someone is trying to find something, whether physical or abstract. For example, "They traveled "in search of" adventure" or "The researcher was "in search of" a cure".

What can I say instead of "in search of"?

You can use alternatives like "seeking", "looking for", or "in pursuit of", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say 'in searching of' instead of "in search of"?

No, "in searching of" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "in search of". Consider using alternatives like looking for or seeking.

What is the difference between "in search of" and "looking for"?

While both phrases indicate a search, "in search of" often implies a more formal, deliberate, or extended effort than "looking for", which is more casual and general.