looking for details

USAGE SUMMARY

"looking for details" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when describing someone's actions or intentions of searching or investigating for specific information or facts. Example: "The detective spent hours looking for details that could help solve the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

I'm looking for details about what happened".

The New York Times - Magazine

But we're not looking for details, just a general clarification that one has been approved.

The Guardian

For admins looking for details on field trips, please visit seo.

Harvard University

The defense cross-examined six of the seven officers, mostly looking for details about Americans on the scene.

The New York Times

From his remote Transylvanian village, he drilled into the biographies of targets, looking for details that helped him guess passwords.

The New Yorker

Former players have spoken of a coach almost obsessed with video analysis, tirelessly looking for details to watch out for, or perhaps to copy.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Using different sized paint brushes help if you are looking for detail, or a base coat.

WikiHow

He would look for details nobody else would.

Independent

He looks for details that might reveal the locations of the crimes.

The New York Times

When I went to look for details of the wreck in the memoir, I realized I'd got it wrong.

The New Yorker

In shoes, look for details: draping or pleating, perforations, passementerie embroidery, metal studs, straps across the instep, or lacing.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions or reports, use "looking for details" to encourage readers to pay close attention to specific aspects of the information provided.

Common error

Avoid using "looking for details" in contexts where a general overview is sufficient. Ensure the situation genuinely requires a focus on specifics, as overuse can make your writing seem overly meticulous or pedantic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking for details" functions as a present participle phrase, often used to describe an action or state of being. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

26%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looking for details" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for describing the action of searching for specific information. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and Ludwig's examples highlight its prevalence in news, academic, and general contexts. For more formal or specialized writing, consider alternatives such as "seeking specific information" or "scrutinizing the evidence". When using the phrase, ensure that the context warrants a focus on specifics to avoid appearing overly meticulous. The frequency of the phrase is classified as common according to Ludwig's analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeking specific information

Focuses on the act of actively searching for particular information, highlighting the specificity of the search.

searching for specifics

Emphasizes the quest for concrete and precise pieces of information.

investigating the particulars

Highlights a detailed examination of particular aspects or items.

in search of precise data

Conveys a more formal tone, emphasizing the search for accurate and exact data.

trying to find out the facts

Highlights the effort to uncover factual information, focusing on discovery.

attempting to gather insights

Shifts the focus to collecting deeper understandings or perspectives.

exploring the minutiae

Focuses on examining very small or trivial details.

examining the fine print

Emphasizes careful scrutiny of the often-overlooked details in documents or agreements.

delving into the nitty-gritty

Highlights a thorough and detailed investigation into the essential practical details.

scrutinizing the evidence

Focuses on carefully examining evidence for details.

FAQs

How can I use "looking for details" in a sentence?

You can use "looking for details" to describe the action of searching or examining something closely to find specific information. For example: "The auditor was meticulously "looking for details" in the financial records."

What's a more formal alternative to "looking for details"?

A more formal alternative could be "seeking specific information" or "investigating the particulars". These phrases are suitable for professional or academic contexts where a more sophisticated tone is preferred.

Is "looking for details" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "looking for details" is acceptable, but consider using stronger alternatives like "scrutinizing the evidence" or "examining the fine print" if you want to emphasize the depth of your analysis.

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

"Looking for details" is a more general phrase that implies a broad search for information. "Searching for specifics" suggests a more targeted approach, where the information sought is already known to exist.