is not to be found

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not to be found" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is absent or cannot be located. Example: "The solution to the problem is not to be found in the usual resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Our rest, our content, our honor, our respectability is not to be found in this world, defined by human beings.

Huffington Post

A bleaker prospect is not to be found in economics.

The Guardian - Business

Inspiration is not to be found in performance indicators.

The Guardian - Sport

A vacant store is not to be found downtown.

The New York Times

This distinction is not to be found in the Constitution itself, however.

Harvard University

But the relevant factual foundation is not to be found in the legislative record.

Cornell University

"An identity is not to be found on the surface," she wrote.

The New Yorker

The source is not to be found among supporters at all.

The New York Times

The real Alicante is not to be found on the crowded beaches.

The Guardian - Travel

But the phenomenon of religious fundamentalism is not to be found in Islam alone.

The New York Times

But Khan is not to be found among the orange-clad inmates of Guantanamo.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not to be found" to express the absence of something in a particular context, especially when emphasizing that it cannot be discovered or located easily. For example, "The solution to this problem is not to be found in conventional methods."

Common error

Avoid using "is not to be found" in very casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "can't be found" or "isn't there" are often more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not to be found" functions as a negative existential statement, indicating the absence or unavailability of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not to be found" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to indicate the absence or unavailability of something. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage. It is most frequently found in news and media, academic writing, and encyclopedic entries, carrying a neutral to slightly formal tone. When aiming for simpler language or casual conversation, alternatives like "cannot be located" or "is absent" may be more appropriate. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "is not to be found" in your own writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be located

Emphasizes the inability to find something in a specific place.

is missing

Simple and direct way to state that something is not present.

is absent

Directly states that something is missing.

is not present

More formal way of saying something is absent.

does not exist

Highlights the non-existence of something.

is unavailable

Focuses on the lack of availability.

cannot be discovered

Highlights the inability to uncover or find something through investigation.

is nowhere to be seen

Emphasizes the complete absence and inability to visually locate something.

eludes detection

Focuses on the fact that something avoids being noticed or found.

is lacking

Indicates a deficiency or absence of a necessary component.

FAQs

How can I use "is not to be found" in a sentence?

Use "is not to be found" to indicate that something is absent or cannot be located. For example, "The answer to his question "is not to be found" in any textbook."

What can I say instead of "is not to be found"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot be located", "is absent", or "does not exist" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is not found" instead of "is not to be found"?

While "is not found" is grammatically correct, "is not to be found" often adds a sense of emphasis or inevitability. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "is not to be found" and "cannot be found"?

"Is not to be found" implies that, despite searching or expecting it, something is absent. "Cannot be found" suggests a more general inability to locate something, regardless of expectation. Therefore "The mistake "is not to be found"" means that you would expect it but it's not there, while "The mistake "cannot be found"" simply means it's difficult or impossible to locate.