looking for redemption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'looking for redemption' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a person seeking forgiveness, atonement, or a second chance for something they have done wrong or unacceptable. For example: After an accident that led to the death of his friend, the young man spent five years looking for redemption.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

But as a firm believer in the notion that work is redemptive (and "everybody is looking for redemption. For something"), an old sinner like Bosch could still find a million excuses to delay the day of reckoning.

The New York Times - Books

He's looking for redemption".

The New York Times - Magazine

"The offensive line is looking for redemption.

The New York Times - Sports

Both teams came into that game looking for redemption.

The New York Times

The difference is that this hero isn't even subconsciously looking for redemption.

The Guardian - Film

Is Black a guardian angel or just a sinner looking for redemption?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

I don't need to look for redemption".

The Guardian - Books

In the New Testament the old widow and prophetess Anna witnessed the circumcision of Christ and "spoke of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem" (Luke 2: 38).

University of Pennsylvania

Reinvention would be too strong a word for what Mr. Bush is attempting as he shakes off the humiliation of New Hampshire, where he was crushed by Senator John McCain of Arizona, and looks for redemption in South Carolina.

The New York Times

After Kenny-Dowall's opening-minute howler, the winger looked for redemption in the first set of the second half when he crossed the line in the 42nd minute – only to be denied by the video referee for a forward pass.

The Guardian - Sport

"You look for them in consumer goods, and you look for redemption in religion". The drug trade "infects the social body," and even when law-enforcement efforts diminish the level of trafficking for a few years, they leave in their wake "a corrupted society," she said.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "looking for redemption" when describing a character's or entity's active pursuit of forgiveness or making amends for past mistakes. This conveys a sense of agency and intentionality.

Common error

Avoid implying that "looking for redemption" guarantees immediate forgiveness or absolution. Redemption is often a process, not a single event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking for redemption" functions as a verbal phrase indicating an active pursuit or desire. Ludwig AI analysis shows this phrase is commonly used to describe characters, individuals, or even groups attempting to atone for past actions or failures.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Sport

24%

Books

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Forbes

3%

Huffington Post

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "looking for redemption" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of seeking forgiveness or atonement for past wrongdoings. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suggests that it effectively conveys a desire for moral restoration. Predominantly found in News & Media, Sports, and Book contexts, the phrase maintains a generally neutral register, suitable for diverse audiences. To ensure proper usage, remember that "looking for redemption" describes an ongoing process, not necessarily an instantaneous event, and consider specifying the source of the need for redemption to provide greater context. Alternatives such as "seeking atonement" or "trying to redeem oneself" offer similar meanings with subtle nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trying to redeem oneself

Highlights the effort to improve one's image or standing.

desperate to make amends

Conveys a strong feeling of remorse and the need to correct past wrongs.

seeking atonement

Focuses on the act of making amends for wrongdoing.

yearning for a second chance

Highlights the desire to have another opportunity to do things right.

in search of forgiveness

Emphasizes the desire to be pardoned for past actions.

aiming for rehabilitation

Suggests a process of restoring someone to a healthy or productive life.

desiring reconciliation

Focuses on restoring harmony after a conflict or wrongdoing.

pursuing absolution

Implies a formal or religious cleansing of sin.

striving for moral recovery

Highlights the effort to regain ethical standing.

on a quest for vindication

Emphasizes proving oneself right or justified after being wrongly accused.

FAQs

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

You can use "looking for redemption" to describe someone trying to atone for past mistakes, like in the sentence: After years of poor choices, he was finally "looking for redemption" by volunteering in his community.

What's a synonym for "looking for redemption"?

Alternatives to "looking for redemption" include "seeking atonement", "trying to redeem oneself", or "in search of forgiveness".

Is it always necessary to specify what someone is "looking for redemption" from?

While not always necessary, specifying the source of the need for redemption adds clarity and context. For example, "He was "looking for redemption" from his past failures" provides more information than simply "He was "looking for redemption"".

What's the difference between "seeking redemption" and "finding redemption"?

"Seeking redemption" implies an ongoing process, whereas "finding redemption" suggests that the process has been completed and atonement has been achieved. Someone "looking for redemption" is still on their journey, while someone who has found it has reached their goal.