is searching for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is searching for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone or something is actively looking for a specific item, person, or information. Example: "The detective is searching for clues to solve the mystery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

So the government is searching for alternatives.

The New York Times

Her boyfriend, Taylor, is searching for them.

Independent

"Obama is searching for a narrative.

The New York Times

But she is searching for more.

The New York Times

Abdul Samia is searching for his brother.

Independent

Mifsud is searching for leaders.

The Guardian - Sport

Concerned owner is searching for solutions.

The New York Times

Transora.com is searching for a chief executive.

The New York Times

Vox is searching for a new investor.

The New York Times

She is searching for Mr Right.

The Guardian - Film

The company is searching for a president.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is searching for" when you want to convey an active and intentional effort to find something, whether it's a tangible object, information, or a solution to a problem. This phrase is suitable for a wide range of contexts and registers.

Common error

While "is searching for" is generally versatile, consider using more formal alternatives like "is seeking" or "is in pursuit of" in highly formal or academic writing to maintain a consistent tone. Avoid using it too repetitively within the same paragraph; vary your language for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is searching for" functions as a verb phrase indicating an active process of seeking or looking for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used in English to express that someone or something is actively trying to locate a specific item, person, or information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is searching for" is a grammatically sound and widely used verb phrase that indicates an active effort to find something. As shown by Ludwig, it appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, but is also suitable for Formal & Business and Science contexts. While generally versatile, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives in highly academic or professional settings. Remember to vary your language to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is looking for

This alternative uses a more common synonym for "searching", making it slightly more informal.

is trying to find

This is a more explicit and less nuanced way of saying "is searching for", suitable for simple contexts.

is seeking

This phrase is more formal than "is searching for", implying a deliberate and focused effort.

is on the lookout for

This suggests a more active and vigilant search, often for something specific or potentially elusive.

is in pursuit of

This phrase suggests a longer-term and potentially more abstract goal or object of the search.

is hunting for

This implies a more aggressive and determined search, as if pursuing prey.

is exploring for

Suggests a search through investigation and discovery, often for new knowledge or resources.

is scouting for

Implies a preliminary search or reconnaissance, often in a business or competitive context.

is questing for

This alternative evokes a sense of adventure or a noble and challenging search.

is rummaging for

Suggests a disorganized search, often through a collection of items.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "is searching for"?

For a more formal tone, you can use alternatives such as "is seeking" or "is in pursuit of", which imply a more deliberate and focused effort.

Can I use "is searching for" in academic writing?

Yes, "is searching for" is acceptable in academic writing, but consider the context. In some cases, a more precise or formal alternative like "is investigating" or "is researching" might be more appropriate depending on the specific discipline and the level of formality required.

Is there a difference between "is searching for" and "is looking for"?

The phrases "is looking for" and "is searching for" are often interchangeable, but "is searching for" can imply a more thorough and methodical approach than "is looking for". The choice between them often depends on the desired nuance and context.

What are some other phrases similar to "is searching for"?

Other similar phrases include "is on the lookout for", suggesting vigilance; "is hunting for", implying a determined pursuit; and "is trying to find", a more straightforward alternative.