quest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a search or pursuit of something, often implying a journey or adventure in the process. Example: "The hero embarked on a quest to find the lost treasure of the ancient kingdom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Neither side did enough to deserve all three points but Saints continue their quest for a European spot.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm on a quest to find the British left, because it's become apparent no one quite knows where it has gone, or what it looks like.

The Guardian

He is urged to be careful by an air hostess who is assisting him in his quest to rescue his daughter from the clutches of a deposed South American dictator.

The Guardian - Film

What the Castlederg controversy tells us is that in the quest for a proper post-conflict truth and reconciliation process even history is a loaded gun.

The Guardian

Re-Worked is a non-profit and Fairweather says the quest for funding has been one of his biggest challenges.

The Guardian

My first impression: This book is an exquisitely written true story about a quest to see a wild saola -- an animal that inhabits the mountainous jungles that adorn the border between Laos and Vietnam.

The Guardian

Dr Stuart Doran is an independent historian and author of the forthcoming book Kingdom, power, glory: Mugabe, Zanu and the quest for supremacy, 1960 87.

The Guardian

Chasing the King of Hearts, by Hanna Krall, translated from the Polish by Philip Boehm (Peirene), is a quest story.

The Guardian - Books

The first breakthrough in this quest was the discovery that gold utensils, as well as looking fabulous, are inert and so do not interfere with the flavour of food or drink.

The Guardian - Tech

With work on the bridge running late, the project is viewed by some as having parallels with Hull's quest to become the UK's city of culture: a costly act of hubris.

The Guardian

With the quest for more northern seats as difficult as it has ever been for the Tories, the same-sex marriage image has revealed a dangerous trend for the PM.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quest" when you want to emphasize a long, challenging, and often adventurous search for a specific goal. It adds a sense of purpose and determination to the writing.

Common error

Avoid using "quest" when a simpler term like "search" or "attempt" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly dramatic or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "quest" is as a noun, referring to a journey or endeavor undertaken to achieve a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms this is generally perceived as correct and usable in written English. It can also function as a verb, meaning to seek or pursue a goal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "quest" functions primarily as a noun denoting a pursuit towards a goal. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a valid English word with common usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While often interchangeable with "search", "quest" carries connotations of adventure and determination. When considering alternatives, "search", "pursuit", and "mission" are viable options depending on the desired nuance. Remember to avoid overuse in simple situations to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

search

A general term for looking for something, often more direct than "quest".

pursuit

Implies actively chasing or striving for something, similar to "quest" but less focused on a specific goal.

mission

Suggests a specific and important task or goal, often with a sense of duty.

endeavor

A serious attempt or effort, often implying difficulty or challenge.

undertaking

Refers to a project or task that someone decides to do, often significant.

crusade

A vigorous campaign for a cause, often with strong moral or ideological undertones.

pilgrimage

A journey to a sacred place, or a journey with a special purpose.

expedition

An organized journey with a specific purpose, such as exploration or research.

venture

A risky or daring journey or undertaking.

exploration

The act of investigating or inquiring into something in detail; examination.

FAQs

How can I use "quest" in a sentence?

You can use "quest" to describe a journey or endeavor undertaken to achieve a specific goal. For instance, "The hero embarked on a "quest" to find the legendary treasure".

What are some alternatives to "quest"?

You can use alternatives like "search", "pursuit", or "mission" depending on the context.

Is "quest" formal or informal?

"Quest" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it often carries a slightly more elevated or literary tone than a simple "search".

What is the difference between a "quest" and a "journey"?

While a "journey" is a general term for travel, a ""quest"" implies a specific purpose or goal that the journey is undertaken to achieve. A "quest" is a journey with a mission.