on a hunt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'on a hunt' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used as a figurative phrase to describe a search for something or someone. For example: She went on a hunt for the perfect gift for her sister's birthday.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Even on a hunt for small museums, one can easily overlook some.

The New York Times - Travel

So she set out on a hunt that lasted longer than the one for the sofa.

The New York Times

Next, we went on a hunt for manga.

The New Yorker

We went on a hunt to try and find him.

The New York Times

So I went on a hunt for him".

The New York Times - Style

So Lipton embarked on a hunt for better crowd noise.

The New York Times - Magazine

Schechter's postcard had sent Neubauer on a hunt through his own Cairo trove.

The New Yorker

The child of any age who likes to go on a hunt!

Harvard University

Wearing colorful, hand-knit mittens and an elegant wool coat, Horowitz set out on a hunt.

The New Yorker

Soon, the group dispersed into the woods alongside the rocky trail, on a hunt for fungi.

The New York Times - Travel

We're on a hunt for the best vada pav in the world.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on a hunt", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being searched for, whether it's a tangible object, information, or even an abstract concept.

Common error

Avoid using "on a hunt" when the subject isn't actively searching. For example, don't say "The information was on a hunt," but rather "Researchers were on a hunt for the information."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a hunt" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, indicating the purpose or manner of an action. It describes the state of actively searching or pursuing something, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on a hunt" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe the act of searching or pursuing something. Ludwig confirms that it's grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally considered neutral, consider more formal alternatives like "in pursuit of" or "seeking" in professional writing. The examples Ludwig provides demonstrate the phrase's broad applicability, from searching for physical items to abstract concepts. Remember to use it when the subject is actively involved in the search.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looking for

This is a common and informal way to express a search.

searching for

This is a direct and straightforward alternative, focusing on the act of looking.

in search of

This phrase carries a slightly more literary or formal tone than "on a hunt".

in pursuit of

This alternative suggests a more formal and determined search.

seeking

A more concise and formal synonym for searching.

on the lookout for

Implies watching carefully for something to appear.

questing for

Suggests a long and adventurous search, often for something of great importance.

scouting for

Suggests a preliminary search to gather information.

exploring for

Focuses on the exploratory aspect of the search.

trawling for

Implies a broad and indiscriminate search, like dragging a net.

FAQs

How can I use "on a hunt" in a sentence?

You can use "on a hunt" to describe someone actively searching for something. For instance, "She was "searching for" a new apartment" can also be phrased as "She was "on a hunt" for a new apartment".

What's a more formal alternative to "on a hunt"?

A more formal alternative would be "in pursuit of". For example, instead of saying "They were "on a hunt" for a solution", you could say "They were in pursuit of a solution".

Is "on a hunt" appropriate for professional writing?

While "on a hunt" is widely understood, it may be too informal for some professional contexts. Consider using alternatives like "seeking" or ""searching for"" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "on a hunt" and "on a quest"?

"On a hunt" generally refers to a search for something specific, while "on a quest" implies a longer, more challenging search with a significant goal. A quest often involves overcoming obstacles and may have a deeper, more meaningful purpose than a simple hunt.