in search of something

USAGE SUMMARY

"in search of something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are looking for something. For example: I am in search of a new job opportunity that will challenge me.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But I was in search of something else.

The New York Times - Travel

I'd arrived in Hollywood in search of something.

Independent

He is a man in search of something.

The Guardian - Arts

Like Robinho, he is in search of something permanent.

The New York Times - Sports

People are always going abroad in search of something better.

The New York Times - Arts

He had returned ostensibly in search of something.

The Guardian - Opinion

They're willing to risk the ridiculous in search of something profound.

The New Yorker

Actually, he's in search of something a little more refined and less modish.

The New York Times - Arts

Thousands of visitors, of course, are drawn to the river in search of something to eat.

The New York Times

Her eyes shifted back and forth, like those of a cat in search of something.

The New Yorker

Americans are in search of something greater than themselves, a mission worthy of our nation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in search of something", ensure the context implies a genuine pursuit, whether it's a tangible object, an abstract concept, or an experience.

Common error

Avoid using "in search of something" too frequently in a single piece of writing. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or pretentious. Vary your language with synonyms like "looking for" or "seeking" to maintain a natural and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in search of something" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate the purpose or motive behind an action. Ludwig AI highlights its wide usage in expressing a quest or pursuit.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in search of something" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates the act of seeking something unspecified. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to express a quest or pursuit, often adding a touch of formality to writing. While synonyms like "looking for something" exist, "in search of something" implies a more deliberate and perhaps significant endeavor. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral to slightly formal register. To avoid repetition, consider alternatives like "seeking something" or "pursuing something", depending on the desired nuance. Ultimately, "in search of something" remains a valuable tool for expressing the human desire to find, discover, or experience something new.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeking something

This alternative offers a more direct and slightly less formal way to express the act of looking for something.

looking for something

This is a very common and straightforward alternative, suitable for most contexts. It's less formal than "in search of something".

pursuing something

This suggests a more active and determined effort to find something, often with a specific goal in mind.

on the hunt for something

This phrase implies a more aggressive or competitive search, as if tracking down a prey.

questing for something

This alternative adds a sense of adventure and a more prolonged or significant search.

desiring something

This focuses on the longing or yearning for something, rather than the active search.

wanting something

This is a very basic and general way to express a need or wish for something.

yearning for something

This suggests a deep and emotional longing for something, often something unattainable.

needing something

This emphasizes the necessity or requirement for something, rather than just a desire.

exploring for something

This phrase implies that the search is more open-ended and exploratory, with no specific target in mind.

FAQs

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

You can use "in search of something" to indicate someone is looking for an unspecified thing. For example: "They travelled the world in search of something new."

What phrases are similar to "in search of something"?

Similar phrases include "seeking something", "looking for something", or "pursuing something", depending on the context.

Is "in search for something" grammatically correct?

No, the correct phrase is "in search of something". The preposition "of" is required after "search" in this context.

When is it appropriate to use "in search of something" instead of "looking for something"?

"In search of something" is more formal than "looking for something". Use "in search of something" in more formal writing or when you want to emphasize the deliberate nature of the search.