scout for

USAGE SUMMARY

"scout for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when you are looking for or searching for something or someone. For example, "We need to scout for a new supplier to provide us with the materials we need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We do a scout for free.

The New York Times

(A scout for ted noticed his blog).

The New Yorker

I will scout for talent.

The New York Times

Scout for potato leafhoppers; plant resistant varieties.

Cornell University

He looks to the scout for help.

The New Yorker

"Villas-Boas was a scout for years and years.

Independent

Hollywood actors have agents who scout for their scripts.

The New York Times

"But most importantly, I know how to scout for boys".

The New York Times

They rotate as a scout for coming opponents.

The New York Times - Sports

International agencies now scout for talent in emerging economies.

The Economist

Cannizaro is now an amateur scout for the Yankees.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scout for", consider the level of formality required by your context. While generally acceptable, alternatives like "search for" might be preferable in highly formal settings.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "scout for" in formal documents or business communications. While not incorrect, it can sometimes sound less professional than alternatives like "search for" or "seek".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scout for" functions as a phrasal verb, where "scout" acts as the verb and "for" as a preposition, creating a transitive verb. It describes the action of actively searching or exploring to find something, as shown in examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "scout for" is a phrasal verb used to describe the active search or exploration for something specific. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, including news and media, academia, and science. While generally neutral in formality, it's important to consider the specific context when choosing between "scout for" and alternatives like "search for" or "seek out". Remember to use this phrase judiciously, especially in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look for

A more general and common term for seeking something.

search out

Emphasizes a more active and determined search.

seek out

Suggests a deliberate and focused effort to find something specific.

scour for

Suggests a thorough and exhaustive search.

hunt for

Implies a more intense and persistent search, often for something elusive.

track down

Suggests locating something that is difficult to find or hidden.

ferret out

Implies uncovering something hidden or secret through persistent investigation.

prospect for

Often used in the context of searching for resources or opportunities.

forage for

Implies searching for something essential, often in a natural setting.

reconnoiter for

Suggests exploring an area to gather information, often in a military or strategic context.

FAQs

How to use "scout for" in a sentence?

You can use "scout for" to describe actively searching or looking for something, as in "The company is scouting for new talent" or "We need to scout for a suitable location for the event".

What can I say instead of "scout for"?

You can use alternatives like "look for", "search for", or "seek out" depending on the context.

Is "scout for" formal or informal?

The phrase "scout for" is generally considered neutral in formality. However, in very formal contexts, alternatives such as "search for" or "seek" might be preferred.

What is the difference between "scout for" and "search for"?

"Scout for" often implies a more proactive and strategic search, while "search for" is a more general term for looking for something.