looking for weapons

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking for weapons" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is searching for or investigating the presence of weapons, such as in law enforcement, military, or security situations. Example: "The security team is looking for weapons before allowing entry to the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He then ransacked the cabin, looking for weapons.

The New York Times

"And we were also looking for weapons and drugs.

The New York Times

Are we looking for weapons of mass destruction?

The Guardian - Opinion

They were looking for weapons caches and insurgents.

The New York Times

They searched the house, saying they were looking for weapons.

The New York Times

In a measure of the current mood in Tripoli, most people were looking for weapons.

The New York Times

I wasn't out on the streets leading troops or in the markets looking for weapons caches.

The New York Times

Two big guys get a younger guy to strip – are they looking for weapons?

The Guardian - Film

He'd be looking for weapons, drugs, alcohol – anything forbidden by probation conditions.

The Guardian

The Americans began sweeping in late in August, going house to house looking for weapons.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He went to the equipment shed to look for weapons.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "looking for weapons", ensure the context clearly indicates who is conducting the search and the purpose behind it. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "looking for weapons" too broadly. Specify the type of weapons or the area being searched to provide a more accurate and informative description, such as "looking for concealed weapons" or "looking for weapons of mass destruction".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking for weapons" functions primarily as a verbal phrase acting as part of a predicate, describing the action of seeking or searching. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It describes a purposeful activity with a clear objective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "looking for weapons" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, primarily found in News & Media contexts. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness. Its function is to describe the action of searching for weapons, typically in investigative, security, or military scenarios. While generally neutral in register, the specific context can influence the overall tone. Understanding the nuances of its usage, as well as considering alternatives like "searching for arms" or "seeking weapons", can enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

searching for arms

Emphasizes the act of a formal search, using a more formal term for weapons.

seeking weapons

Highlights the intention or objective of finding weapons.

in search of weapons

Focuses on the state or condition of actively looking for weapons.

hunting for weapons

Suggests a more active and persistent search, like tracking prey.

pursuing weapons

Implies a determined effort to obtain or locate weapons.

tracking down weapons

Highlights the process of locating specific or elusive weapons.

scouring for weapons

Indicates a thorough and exhaustive search, often over a wide area.

ferreting out weapons

Suggests uncovering hidden or concealed weapons through careful investigation.

detecting weapons

Focuses on the act of discovering or identifying the presence of weapons using specific methods.

procuring weapons

Emphasizes the act of obtaining weapons, often through purchase or other means.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "looking for weapons"?

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

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

Example: "The police were "looking for weapons" at the suspect's residence."

When is it appropriate to use "looking for weapons" in writing?

It is appropriate when describing a search or investigation aimed at finding weapons, often in law enforcement, military, or security contexts.

What is the difference between "looking for weapons" and "searching for weapons"?

While similar, "searching for weapons" implies a more thorough and systematic approach than "looking for weapons".