quest for something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quest for something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a search or pursuit for a specific goal, object, or idea. Example: "His quest for knowledge led him to explore various fields of study and engage with experts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

They, too, had been successful in their quest for something less than No. 1 in the salary standing.

The New York Times - Sports

These developments can be seen as more of the electronics industry's constant quest for something new to tantalize gadget lovers.

The New York Times - Tech

Or at least the quest for something that might be artificially intelligent enough to pass the Turing test.

The Guardian - Tech

And the Sendai Toyopet dealership's recovery effort offers a glimpse into Japan's broader quest for something like a return to normalcy.

The New York Times

And with elections coming on March 4, Mr. Putin's quest for something like a presidency for life looks more like banana republicanism than the stirring clamor of democracy.

The New York Times - Arts

He is the first to acknowledge that the "bloody image" often predominates in coverage of Pakistan, and that his quest for something different provoked skepticism among other photographers at first.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"Mass movements, cults, they appeal to disaffected people in liberal societies who maybe don't have a place, or are questing for something maybe bigger than themselves.

Vice

But the quest -- for something that might as well be called heart -- is still ahead of them.

The New York Times - Arts

In New York, the quest is for something more elusive: room.

The New York Times

The robot boy David's quest is for something that cannot be found in the world or on a cinema screen: that is, the soul.

The Guardian - Film

Others seem to be on a quest, searching for something unidentified.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quest for something" to evoke a sense of adventure, determination, or a long and challenging search. This phrasing is especially effective when the 'something' is abstract or not easily defined.

Common error

Avoid using "quest for something" in everyday, mundane situations. It can sound overly dramatic or pretentious. Simpler terms like "search", "look", or "hunt" may be more appropriate for casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quest for something" functions as a noun phrase, where "quest" is the head noun and "for something" acts as a prepositional phrase modifying it. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples, where the phrase serves as a subject, object, or complement within sentences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Huffington Post

5%

BBC

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

The New Yorker

2%

The Economist

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "quest for something" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a search or pursuit of a goal, idea, or object. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase can be used in multiple contexts, especially in News & Media. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overusing it in overly casual settings, as simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. Related phrases include "search for something" and "pursuit of something". Overall, "quest for something" is a useful phrase to add color to your writing and evoke a sense of adventure and challenge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quest to find something

Similar to "quest for something" but specifies the act of finding as the objective of the quest.

search for something

Emphasizes the act of looking for something, often implying a more direct and less abstract search than "quest".

pursuit of something

More formal and emphasizes the determined effort to obtain something, suggesting a longer-term endeavor.

yearning for something

Highlights a deep longing or desire for something, adding an emotional dimension not present in "quest".

hunt for something

Suggests a more active and strategic search, akin to hunting prey, implying a challenge.

drive for something

Focuses on the internal motivation or ambition fueling the search, emphasizing the driving force behind the action.

mission for something

Implies a more organized and purposeful search, often with a defined goal or objective.

journey for something

Emphasizes the process and experience of seeking something, rather than the outcome itself.

exploration of something

Highlights the investigatory nature of the search, suggesting a desire to understand or discover something new.

desire for something

Focuses on the internal feeling of wanting something, which may or may not lead to an active search.

FAQs

What does "quest for something" mean?

The phrase "quest for something" describes a journey or endeavor undertaken to find or achieve a particular objective, often implying a challenging and significant pursuit.

What can I say instead of "quest for something"?

You can use alternatives like "search for something", "pursuit of something", or "yearning for something" depending on the specific context.

Is "quest for something" formal or informal?

"Quest for something" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it often carries a slightly more elevated or literary tone than simpler alternatives like "looking for something".

How to use "quest for something" in a sentence?

You can use "quest for something" to describe a character's main goal, a company's objective, or even a personal ambition. For example, "His quest for knowledge led him to explore various fields of study."