looking to find work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking to find work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a desire or intention to seek employment or job opportunities. Example: "After graduating, I am looking to find work in the marketing field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Mr. Braude said he also was looking to find work with the United States government at what was then the Office of Reconstruction in Baghdad.

The New York Times

Lomas signed up to the site three months ago, originally looking to find work on the back of a photography summer school he took last year at the Slade.

Independent

For Irish professionals looking to find work in the United States, Mr. Cowen, 49, who worked doing demolition in Midtown Manhattan on a summer off from college, said he hoped the American government would enact something like the E-3 visas it has offered to a set number Australians a year since 2005.

The New York Times

TechMeAbroad is a tech jobs startup specifically for developers looking to find work abroad — be it in Silicon Valley or elsewhere — helping them find companies happy to sponsor work visas in order to fill their tech vacancies.

TechCrunch

Follow Molly on Twitter.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Starting with partnerships with local libraries, where many unemployed and underemployed people look to find work, the Digital Countryside Initiative will show people what is possible using the talents they already have, and then continue supporting them as they find new ways to earn money.

Cornell University

"Husna has recently graduated and is looking to find some useful work".

The New Yorker

​Among the postdocs, we are looking to find two whose work combines a demonstrated competence in the physics of black holes with evidence of proven engagement in philosophy (metaphysical or epistemological), broadly conceived.

Harvard University

Instead, if people are looking to find meaning at work, a better approach might be to encourage them to quit and move to a job where their expertise and skill is valued and appreciated more.

Forbes

"We're looking to find out what works at the restaurant in Dartington, and to use what we learn from that.

The Guardian

Since then, I've been looking to find any type of work.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "looking to find work", ensure it aligns with the context's formality. In formal settings, consider alternatives like "seeking employment" for a more professional tone.

Common error

While "looking to find work" is grammatically correct, avoid overuse in formal documents like cover letters or resumes. Opt for more direct and professional alternatives such as "seeking a position" or "pursuing opportunities."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking to find work" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It indicates the reason or intention behind an action, typically following a subject. As noted by Ludwig AI, the expression is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "looking to find work" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to express the intention of seeking employment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for general use. However, it's important to consider the context and audience. While common in news and media, a more formal phrase like "seeking employment" might be preferable in professional or academic settings. Alternatives like "searching for a job" or "job hunting" offer similar meanings with slightly different connotations. Therefore, choose the phrase that best suits the specific situation and desired level of formality. While examples are somewhat rare, its consistency across various sources suggests it's a well-understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeking employment

A more formal and direct way of saying the same thing.

searching for a job

A common and straightforward alternative.

job hunting

An informal, active way of describing the search for work.

pursuing career opportunities

Focuses on advancement and professional growth.

exploring job prospects

Implies a broader investigation into potential jobs.

aiming to gain employment

Highlights the goal of obtaining a job.

in the process of finding work

Highlights a work-in-progress stage.

endeavoring to secure employment

A very formal and somewhat archaic alternative.

on the lookout for work

Suggests a more passive, watchful approach.

desiring to obtain a position

A formal way of expressing the wish for a job.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "looking to find work"?

You can use alternatives like "seeking employment", "searching for a job", or "job hunting" depending on the context.

Is "looking to find work" formal or informal?

The phrase "looking to find work" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. For more formal situations, "seeking employment" is often preferred.

How to use "looking to find work" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "After graduating, I am looking to find work in the marketing field" or "Many people are currently looking to find work after the recent layoffs".

What's the difference between "looking to find work" and "seeking employment"?

"Seeking employment" is a more formal and direct way of saying you are "looking to find work". The first is often preferred in professional contexts.