is looked for

USAGE SUMMARY

"is looked for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express that someone or something is actively sought after or desired, such as in the sentence: "This rare book is looked for by many collectors."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

A bolt by Colorado, Idaho, and Utah is looked for.

The New York Times

Thus, in the determination of Cu II) by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry the simultaneous maximization of the peak current and minimization of its standard deviation is looked for.

Talanta

If progress is believed possible, it will likely be sought; and if it is looked for, there is some possibility of finding it.

Harvard Business Review

The criticism, however, is not always just: one should first consider what reason there is for speaking, and also what kind of certainty is looked for, whether human merely or of a more cogent kind.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It has not only proclaimed, more plainly and more universally than ever before, the need for American leadership; it has spelt out vividly as well the kind of leadership that is looked for.

The Economist

The newly introduced mathematical function Ψ, the amplitude of Schrödinger's hypothetical wave, is used to calculate not how the electron moves but rather what the probability is of finding the electron in any specific place if it is looked for there.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Walker is looking for it.

The New Yorker

Brown is looking for work.

The New York Times - Sports

China is looking for bargains.

The Economist

Now it is looking for a buyer.

The Economist

David Cameron is looking for allies.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is looked for" when you want to emphasize the passive nature of the search, highlighting the object being sought rather than the searcher.

Common error

Avoid using "is looked for" when the active voice is more appropriate. For instance, instead of "The solution is looked for by the team", consider "The team is looking for the solution" for a more direct and engaging sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is looked for" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is the recipient of the action of being searched or sought after. This is confirmed by Ludwig which states it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

23%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is looked for" is a grammatically sound passive verb construction frequently employed to emphasize the object of a search or desire. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English writing. It appears commonly in scientific, news and media, and academic contexts, indicating a formal to neutral register. When writing, ensure that the passive voice is the intended emphasis, and consider active voice alternatives for a more direct tone. Related phrases like "is sought after" or "is searched for" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is sought after

Emphasizes the desirability or value of something being searched for.

is searched for

A more direct synonym, focusing on the act of searching.

is in demand

Highlights the high level of need or desire for something.

is required

Focuses on the necessity of something being found or obtained.

is hunted for

Implies a more intensive or determined search.

is pursued

Suggests an active and ongoing effort to find something.

is investigated

Focuses on a formal or systematic search, often for information.

is explored

Highlights the process of discovering or learning about something.

is researched

Implies a careful and detailed study to find information.

is desired

Emphasizes the wanting or wishing for something.

FAQs

How can I use "is looked for" in a sentence?

You can use "is looked for" to describe something that people are trying to find or achieve. For example: "A solution to this problem "is looked for" by many researchers".

What's the difference between "is looked for" and "is searching for"?

"Is looked for" is in the passive voice, focusing on the object of the search. "Is searching for" is in the active voice, focusing on the subject performing the search. For example, "The treasure "is looked for"" versus "The pirates "are searching for" the treasure".

What are some alternatives to "is looked for"?

Some alternatives include "is sought after", "is in demand", or "is searched for", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "is looked for" formal or informal?

"Is looked for" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more common in formal or technical writing. In casual conversation, "someone is looking for" might be preferred.