proactively searching for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proactively searching for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is looking for something or taking initiative to find something. For example, "The team has been proactively searching for new ways to improve customer service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Samsung, which has been steadily creeping up on the industry leader, was forming an army in Barcelona, striking partnerships with companies big and small from all over the world, and proactively searching for even more to form alliances.

The New York Times

The idea here is that Connected will not only bring you alerts that will draw you into using the app more, but also extract out the kind of information that you are already proactively searching for such as profile updates, job changes, work anniversaries, birthdays and key business interests.

TechCrunch

Other elements of luck related to search are linked to those in the adoption community that are proactively searching for members of their extended family of origin.

Huffington Post

Gabaldón suggested 2 levels of malaria reintroduction prevention: first-degree, which sought to prevent vector and parasite importation by proactively searching for carriers; and second-degree, which focused on limiting reestablishment of endemic malaria transmission, chiefly through pesticide spraying (28 ).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

She said the association proactively searched for sites that provide unrestricted access to red-band trailers and, working with studios, demanded their removal.

The New York Times

It is imperative for contemporary businesses to proactively search for ways of continuously improving the performance of their supply chains.

Omega

Once on the road, TeleNav GPS Navigator monitors each specific route and will proactively search for known traffic congestion or incidents.

TechCrunch

All the while the injunction remained in place, and YouTube was forced to proactively search for and remove what the court has found, by an overwhelming vote, to be Constitutionally protected speech.

Huffington Post

Rowling and her representatives are concerned that Scribd is not proactively searching its database for pirated content, instead waiting for authors to submit complaints before pulling content down.

TechCrunch

CODA applies cybernetic concepts such as self-organisation, self-regulation and viability to derive an intelligent architecture, which can react to failures in achieving its objectives and proactively search for successful patterns of behaviour.

Electronic Notes in Theoretical Computer Science

The team don't just deal with public reports; they also proactively search for this kind of content.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "proactively searching for", ensure the subject is actively initiating the search rather than passively waiting for information to appear.

Common error

Avoid using "proactively searching for" when the action is actually reactive or in response to an immediate need. "Proactive" implies anticipation and initiation, not just a response.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proactively searching for" functions as a verbal phrase, specifically a gerund phrase, where "searching" acts as a noun modified by the adverb "proactively". It describes an ongoing action undertaken with initiative. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "proactively searching for" describes actively seeking something with foresight. While grammatically correct and confirmed by Ludwig AI, its frequency is relatively rare. It's most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. Alternatives like "actively seeking" or "intentionally looking for" can be used depending on the desired nuance and level of formality. Remember to reserve "proactively" for situations where the action is truly anticipatory and self-initiated, not merely reactive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

actively seeking

Replaces "searching" with "seeking", implying a determined effort to find something, but omitting the proactive element.

intentionally looking for

Emphasizes the intentionality of the search, suggesting a planned and deliberate approach.

deliberately seeking out

Highlights the deliberateness and intentionality of the search process, implying a careful and thoughtful approach.

taking the initiative to find

Focuses on the act of taking the first step and being resourceful in finding something.

pursuing with foresight

Emphasizes the forward-thinking aspect of the search, suggesting a strategic approach.

acting in advance to locate

Stresses acting ahead of time to find something, prioritizing timeliness.

being resourceful in the quest for

Highlights the resourcefulness and active pursuit involved in finding something.

strategically investigating

Suggests a careful and planned approach to investigating and finding something.

anticipatorily searching for

Highlights the anticipatory aspect of the search, suggesting that one is searching in anticipation of future needs or events.

preemptively seeking

Emphasizes preventing a negative outcome by searching early.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "proactively searching for" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "actively seeking", "intentionally looking for", or "deliberately seeking out" depending on the specific context. These alternatives emphasize a planned and methodical approach to the search.

Is it always necessary to include 'proactively' when describing a search?

No, the inclusion of "proactively" adds emphasis to the anticipatory and self-initiated nature of the search. If the search is a standard response to a known need, simply using "searching for" might be sufficient.

What is the difference between "proactively searching for" and "actively searching for"?

While similar, "proactively searching for" implies a forward-thinking approach, anticipating future needs or problems. "Actively searching for" simply means one is currently and energetically engaged in the search.

When is it appropriate to use "proactively looking for" instead of "proactively searching for"?

Both phrases are similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. "Proactively looking for" might be preferred in more informal contexts, while "proactively searching for" may sound slightly more formal or professional.