looking for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a search or desire to find something or someone. Example: "I am looking for a new job that aligns with my skills and interests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm looking for doers".

The New York Times

" 'Gone looking for Karl.

The New York Times

You're looking for me.

The New York Times

I'm looking for personality.

The New York Times

He's looking for redemption".

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm looking for you.

The New York Times

I'm looking for improvement".

The New York Times

changes are looking for".

The New York Times

You're looking for shit.

Independent

I'm looking for honesty.

The New York Times

You're looking for material.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looking for" to express a direct and active search for something. It's suitable for most contexts, from casual conversation to professional communication.

Common error

Avoid using "looking for" in unnecessarily passive constructions. Instead of saying "It is being looked for", opt for the more direct "Someone is looking for it."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking for" functions as a verb phrase, specifically the present participle of the verb "look for". It indicates an ongoing action of trying to find someone or something. Ludwig AI indicates that this is a correct and usable phrase in written English. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

14%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looking for" is a versatile and grammatically correct verb phrase used to express the act of searching or seeking. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely applicable in both formal and informal contexts. While alternatives such as "searching for" or "seeking" may be more appropriate in certain formal settings, "looking for" remains a common and acceptable choice for most situations. The phrase is frequently encountered in News & Media, Wiki, and Formal & Business contexts, demonstrating its broad applicability. When writing, avoid passive constructions and focus on direct, active language to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

searching for

Emphasizes the act of actively trying to find something.

in search of

A more formal way of saying "looking for", often used in writing.

seeking

A concise and formal alternative, suitable for professional contexts.

trying to find

Highlights the effort involved in the search.

on the lookout for

Suggests being watchful and attentive in the search.

hunting for

Implies a more aggressive and determined search.

questing for

Evokes a sense of adventure and a long, challenging search.

desiring

Focuses on the wanting or wishing aspect, rather than the search itself.

aiming to find

Highlights the intention and goal of the search.

pursuing

Suggests actively following a lead or trace.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "looking for"?

You can use alternatives like "searching for", "seeking", or "in search of" depending on the context.

Is "looking for" formal or informal?

"Looking for" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although alternatives like "seeking" might be preferred in very formal situations.

How do I use "looking for" in a sentence?

You can use "looking for" to indicate that someone is trying to find something, for example, "I'm looking for my keys" or "They are looking for a new employee".

What's the difference between "looking for" and "searching for"?

While both phrases mean the same thing, "searching for" can sometimes imply a more thorough or systematic approach than "looking for".