quest after

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quest after" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to enthusiastically search for, or pursue, something. For example: "He embarked on a quest after the perfect recipe for banana bread."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Wabi Sabi completes her quest after several small, satisfying epiphanies.

The New York Times - Books

The protagonist's quest after this ever-vanishing and reappearing "Heisenbug" becomes a poignant meditation on technology's effects on humans.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Freer, meanwhile, has turned up on Animal Planet and the History Channel's "Monster Quest," after an episode about the Hillbilly Beast of backwoods Kentucky.

The New York Times

He said his church's popularity showed that Ukrainians were on a spiritual quest after having weathered the state-mandated atheism of the Soviet era.

The New York Times

She also weaves in her quest, after Foley's death, to comprehend the medical and financial information she was too harried to deal with when he was sick.

The New York Times - Books

At times it sounded less like a proposal and more like Gandalf trying to explain the route of an urgent quest after an unusually hefty pipeweed session.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

"Certainly with the Kennedy things he was questing after truth," Ms. Lattimer said.

The New York Times

She quests after abstruse knowledge she is not yet qualified to absorb, then ratchets up her qualifications with the energy and chic of the present moment.

The New York Times

LEXINGTON, Ohio — Motorcycle tinkerers questing after high fuel efficiency were forced to consider everyday practicality at the 2011 Vetter Fuel Economy Challenge at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course last weekend.

The New York Times

As an objective reader, I was engrossed by the elegant plotting and intelligent writing, by the questing after a truth that would never be found.

The Guardian - Books

If we were questing after some common set of values and beliefs that defines Europeanness, then it had to be watertight enough to justify excluding this other Europe if it is continually to be denied the chance of joining.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quest after" to convey a sense of adventure and determination in the pursuit of a goal. It is particularly effective when describing a long or challenging search.

Common error

Avoid using "quest after" for casual searches. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the pursuit is significant and requires considerable effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quest after" functions as a verbal phrase emphasizing a determined pursuit. Ludwig showcases its use in various contexts, from spiritual journeys to scientific endeavors, illustrating its versatility in describing focused efforts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

14%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "quest after" signifies a determined and often adventurous pursuit of a goal. While grammatically correct, it carries a slightly more emphatic and evocative tone than a simple "search for". As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable and correct. It is frequently found in news and media sources, indicating its suitability for formal and neutral registers. While effective for highlighting dedication, be mindful of its intensity to avoid overuse in casual contexts. Alternatives like "search for" or "pursue" might be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

search for

Focuses on the act of looking for something, often tangible or specific.

pursue

Emphasizes persistent effort towards achieving a goal.

seek

Implies a deliberate and thoughtful attempt to find or obtain something.

be in pursuit of

Emphasizes active chasing or seeking of a goal or object.

strive for

Highlights the effort and struggle involved in reaching a goal.

hunt for

Suggests a more aggressive and determined search.

yearn for

Conveys a strong desire or longing for something.

endeavor to find

Indicates a serious and purposeful attempt to discover something.

aspire to

Reflects a hope to gain something.

be on the lookout for

Implies vigilance and attentiveness in searching for something.

FAQs

How can I use "quest after" in a sentence?

You can use "quest after" to describe a determined search, like "The scientist embarked on a "quest after" a cure for the disease".

What phrases are similar to "quest after"?

Similar phrases include "search for", "pursue", and "seek". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "quest for" instead of "quest after"?

While "quest after" is valid, "quest for" is more commonly used and generally preferred in contemporary English.

When is it appropriate to use "quest after"?

Use "quest after" when you want to emphasize the adventurous and determined nature of the search, especially when the goal is elusive or challenging.