scrambling for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scrambling for" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe a situation where people are rushing or hurrying to do something. Example: The protesters were scrambling for safety when the police arrived.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're scrambling for their baggage.

The New Yorker

The Republicans are scrambling for an out".

The New York Times

Many are now scrambling for partners.

The Economist

Some are already scrambling for staff.

The Economist

Absent that, many are scrambling for options.

The New York Times

Korean banks are scrambling for dollars.

The Economist

Kainat was scrambling for breath and anxious.

The New York Times

Now, they are scrambling for insurance.

The New York Times

Experts have been scrambling for explanations.

The New York Times

Terrified students were sent scrambling for cover.

The New York Times

The scandal sent politicians scrambling for cover.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with abstract nouns like "answers", "relevance" or "alternatives" to describe intellectual or strategic desperation.

Common error

Do not use "scrambling for" to describe a planned or methodical search. If a scientist is carefully looking through a database, they are not "scrambling for" data; they are "searching for" it. Using the term in a calm context creates a tone mismatch.

Linguistic Context

In Ludwig, "scrambling for" acts as a transitive phrasal verb. It consists of the verb "scramble" combined with the preposition "for", functioning together to link an actor to an object of desire or necessity under pressure. Ludwig AI confirms its validity as a standard English expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scrambling for" is a powerful linguistic tool for adding urgency and dynamism to your writing. Whether you are describing a financial crisis, a sudden change in plans or a competitive market, this phrase captures the essence of haste and disorder. Ludwig AI and the provided examples from prestigious sources like The New York Times confirm that it is a highly reliable and grammatically correct choice. To use it most effectively, reserve it for contexts where the characters or entities are acting under pressure, and consider alternatives like "vying for" if the situation is strictly competitive rather than chaotic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rushing for

focuses more on speed and less on the sense of chaos or desperation

struggling for

emphasizes the difficulty and hardship involved in obtaining the object

vying for

highlights the competitive nature of the action between multiple parties

hurrying for

a more neutral term for moving quickly without the connotation of disorder

competing for

a formal way to describe a contest over limited resources

jostling for

emphasizes physical or metaphorical crowding and pushing against others

searching for

removes the element of urgency and describes a standard quest or inquiry

groping for

suggests a blind or clumsy attempt to find something, often used metaphorically for words

clamoring for

shifts the focus to a loud or public demand rather than physical movement

striving for

implies a more deliberate and noble effort toward a goal

FAQs

What is the meaning of "scrambling for"?

The phrase "scrambling for" describes a situation where people are rushing or hurrying to do something or to obtain a specific resource, often in a disorganized or desperate manner. You can find similar context by looking at "struggling for".

What can I say instead of "scrambling for words"?

You can use alternatives like "groping for words", "searching for the right words" or "struggling to find words" depending on the level of difficulty.

Is "scrambling for" formal enough for business writing?

Yes, it is widely used in high-level business journalism. Sources like The Economist and Forbes frequently use it to describe companies "scrambling for market share" or capital.

What is the difference between "scrambling for" and "searching for"?

While "searching for" is a neutral act of looking, "scrambling for" implies haste, competition or a sense of impending failure if the object is not found quickly.