looks for

USAGE SUMMARY

'looks for' is a perfectly acceptable and usable phrase in written English.
It is used in the present tense continuous form of the verb 'look' - to seek or search for something. For example: "John looks for a job every day, hoping his efforts will eventually pay off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mostly, she looks for drugs.

The New Yorker

Nope, he looks for alliteration.

The New York Times

Everyone looks for co-signs.

The New York Times - Arts

He also looks for concision.

The New Yorker

So she looks for other explanations.

The New York Times

Der Spiegel looks for an answer.

The New York Times

Rodriguez  looks for opportunities to hit defenders.

The New York Times

Yet she always looks for creative solutions".

The New York Times

Then a pathologist looks for abnormal cells.

The New York Times - Health

But the doctor looks for the worm.

The New Yorker

Quirky then looks for suitable manufacturers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary. While "looks for" is perfectly acceptable, consider synonyms like "seeks", "searches for", or "hunts for" to add nuance and avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "looks for" when you mean "examines" or "considers". "Looks for" implies a search, while "looks at" implies observation or analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looks for" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically a transitive one, requiring a direct object. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It describes the action of trying to find or discover something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

15%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looks for" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe the act of searching or seeking. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news and media, but also has applications in scientific writing. While versatile, it's important to distinguish its meaning from similar phrases like "looks at" or "looks to", and to choose synonyms when appropriate to improve clarity and avoid repetition. "Looks for" functions as a vital tool in describing active investigation and pursuit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

searches for

Adds emphasis by explicitly stating the act of searching.

is in search of

Rephrases the action as a state of being.

seeks

Uses a more formal verb to express the act of searching.

attempts to find

Emphasizes the effort and intention behind the search.

scouts for

Suggests a preliminary search, often for a specific purpose.

tries to locate

Highlights the action of trying and the goal of finding a specific location or thing.

aims to discover

Focuses on the intent to uncover something new.

hunts for

Implies a more vigorous and persistent search.

explores for

Implies a detailed and thorough investigation.

quests after

Suggests a long and adventurous search.

FAQs

How can I use "looks for" in a sentence?

You can use "looks for" to describe someone actively searching for something, for example, "She always "looks for" new opportunities to grow professionally."

What's a more formal alternative to "looks for"?

A more formal alternative to "looks for" is "seeks", which conveys a similar meaning but with a more elevated tone. For example, "The company seeks innovative solutions."

Is there a difference between "looks for" and "searches for"?

While both phrases are similar, "searches for" often implies a more thorough or systematic investigation than ""looks for"". However, in most contexts, they are interchangeable.

When should I use "looks to" instead of "looks for"?

"Looks to" implies expectation or reliance, while ""looks for"" implies a search. For example, "The team "looks to" the coach for guidance" versus "The team "looks for" ways to improve their performance."