look for him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "look for him" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are instructing someone to search for a specific person. Example: "If you have time, please look for him at the café downtown."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'll look for him.

The New Yorker

"Can I look for him?" she asked.

The New Yorker

They run off to look for him.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Someone decided to look for him.

The New Yorker

"Will you look for him?

The New Yorker

Look for him at Macy's on Thanksgiving.

The New York Times

Maybe they wouldn't look for him.

The New York Times

Opponents look for him, surrounding him.

The Guardian - Sport

Look for him in the produce aisle.

The New York Times - Magazine

Bobby went to look for him.

The New York Times

"And I try to look for him.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "look for him", be as specific as possible about the location, time, and any identifying features to aid in the search.

Common error

Avoid using "look for him" in contexts where a more formal term like "search for him" would be more appropriate, such as in official reports or formal correspondence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look for him" functions as an imperative, directly instructing someone to perform the action of searching for a specific male individual. Ludwig examples show it used in both direct commands and polite requests. As Ludwig AI says, the phrase is considered correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

21%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "look for him" is a common and correct phrase used to instruct someone to find a male individual. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical soundness and usability. The phrase is versatile, appearing frequently in news, media, and casual conversation. While generally neutral, it may be best replaced with more professional terms like "search for him" or "seek him out" in formal settings. Remember to be specific when giving instructions and avoid misinterpreting the phrase's context. Top sources include The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

search for him

Replaces "look" with the more formal "search", emphasizing a deliberate and thorough investigation.

try to find him

Uses "try to find" instead of "look for", highlighting the effort involved in the search.

seek him out

Employs "seek out", suggesting a more proactive and intentional approach to finding someone.

hunt for him

Implies a more intensive and persistent search, similar to a hunt.

track him down

Suggests finding someone who is possibly trying to avoid being found or is difficult to locate.

go in search of him

Adds a sense of purpose and journey to the act of looking for someone.

endeavor to locate him

Replaces "look" with a more formal and elaborate phrase.

see if you can find him

Expresses the search as a test of ability or chance.

make an effort to find him

Highlights the dedication and work required to locate the person.

attempt to discover his location

This is a formal way of saying to find where the person is.

FAQs

What does "look for him" mean?

The phrase "look for him" means to try to find a specific male person, either by searching a particular place or by seeking information about his whereabouts.

What can I say instead of "look for him"?

You can use alternatives like "search for him", "try to find him", or "seek him out" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "look for him"?

It's appropriate to use "look for him" in informal conversations or when giving direct instructions. In more formal settings, consider using "search for him".

How can I make my instructions clearer when asking someone to "look for him"?

Provide specific details about where to look, what the person looks like, and any other relevant information that might help in the search, such as his last known location or any distinguishing features.