look for something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "look for something" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a phrasal verb that means to search for someone or something. Example: I'm looking for the perfect gift for my friend.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I want to look for something here.

The New Yorker

I look for something that's slightly strange.

The New Yorker

So they look for something else.

The New York Times

I decided to look for something else".

The New York Times - Sports

But they also look for something broader.

The New York Times - Science

We look for something of ourselves.

The New York Times - Arts

I needed to look for something new.

The Guardian

I always try to look for something else; something different.

The New York Times

And if you look for something, you'll find it.

The New York Times

We can look for something," he added, laughing.

The New Yorker

"Markets look for something to worry about," he noted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal academic contexts, consider using the verb "seek" without the preposition to sound more professional.

Common error

Do not confuse "look for something" with "look to something". While the former means to search for an object, the latter means to rely on or turn your attention toward a source for guidance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look for something" functions as a phrasal verb consisting of the verb 'look' and the prepositional particle 'for'. In this construction, 'something' serves as the indefinite pronoun object. Ludwig data shows this is frequently used to initiate a search action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

42%

News & Media

38%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "look for something" is an essential and correct phrasal verb in English. Ludwig AI confirms its high frequency across a diverse array of professional and casual sources. It is most commonly used in practical advice (Wiki) and narrative reporting (News), but also holds its ground in scientific literature. While synonyms like "search for something" or "seek something" can provide more precision or formality, the phrase remains the standard choice for general search actions. Writers should be careful not to confuse it with related phrasal verbs like "look to" or "look at", as the preposition completely changes the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

search for something

Implies a more thorough or systematic effort to find an object.

seek something

A higher register alternative often used for abstract goals or in formal writing.

hunt for something

Suggests a more difficult or intensive search, often with a sense of urgency.

look for someone

Directly substitutes the inanimate object for a person.

track down something

Focuses on the eventual discovery after following a trail or clues.

scout for something

Often used when looking for specific qualities, talents or opportunities.

look for things

The pluralized version of the query.

pursue something

Shifts the focus from searching to the active following of a goal.

scavenge for something

Specifically denotes searching through discarded items or waste.

quest for something

Literary or formal, implying a long and significant journey or search.

FAQs

How do I use "look for something" in a sentence?

You can use "look for something" when you are searching for an object or idea, such as "I need to look for something to eat" or "She is trying to "look for something new" to do."

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "search for something", "seek something", or "hunt for something".

Is "look for something" formal enough for an essay?

While it is grammatically correct and widely used in news sources like The New York Times, you might prefer "seek" or "investigate" for a more formal academic tone.

What is the difference between "look for" and "look at"?

To "look for something" means you are searching for something that is lost or needed, whereas "look at something" means you are simply directing your eyes toward something already present.