search

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'search' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word 'search' as a verb meaning to look for or examine something systematically. For example, "She searched through the boxes for her keys."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This isn't unusual for me (I'm head of search engine optimisation at the Guardian) but the subject line was entirely new: 'Notice of removal from Google Search'.

The Guardian - Tech

Beyond anecdote, we know very little about what kind and quantity of information is being delisted from search results, what sources are being delisted and on what scale, what kinds of requests fail and in what proportion, and what are Google's guidelines in striking the balance between individual privacy and freedom of expression interests.

The Guardian - Tech

Data protection authorities seem content to rely on search engines' application of the ruling's balancing test, citing low appeal rates as evidence that the balance is being appropriately struck.

The Guardian - Tech

We hope that Google, and all search engines subject to the ruling, will open up.

The Guardian - Tech

The hard-pressed Italian navy will be left to mount what search and rescue operations it can.

The Guardian

It is designed to ensure that the 50,000 young people "most at risk of starting a life on benefits" find that their first contact with the benefits system is a requirement to undertake community work and search for jobs.

The Guardian

Another explanation for the drop in unemployment in some states could be that workers are giving up on the job search, points out David Cooper of the Economic Policy Institute.

The Guardian - Money

XKeyscore An NSA program that allows analysts to search vast databases of emails, online chats and browsing histories of millions of individuals, with no prior authorisation.

The Guardian

Authorities were seeking a warrant to search the computer, he said.

The Guardian

The foreign affairs ministers had reportedly said they would not actively search for the migrants but on Thursday Malaysia's premier, Najib Razak, ordered the navy and maritime officials to launch a search-and-rescue mission for the boat people.

The Guardian

But their search for stability was still futile.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "search" as a verb, be specific about what you are searching for and where you are searching.

Common error

Avoid using "search" without a direct object; always specify what is being searched (e.g., "search the database", not just "search").

Linguistic Context

The word "search" functions primarily as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it denotes the action of looking for something. As a noun, it refers to the act of looking itself. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Tech

25%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Travel

8%

Books

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "search" is a versatile term, functioning both as a verb and a noun, commonly used to describe the act of looking for something, whether physical or digital. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across diverse contexts, from news reports to technical manuals. It is grammatically correct and has high frequency across various sources. Whether you're scouring a database or embarking on a quest, remember to specify what you're looking for and where, to maintain clarity and precision in your writing. Alternatives like "look for", "investigate", and "explore" offer nuanced ways to convey the act of seeking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look for

Focuses on the act of trying to find something lost or hidden.

hunt for

Emphasizes the pursuit and difficulty in finding something.

seek out

Highlights the intention and effort in finding something specific.

investigate

Implies a more thorough and systematic inquiry.

scour

Implies a detailed and exhaustive search of a place or thing.

comb through

Indicates a careful and systematic examination of something.

explore

Suggests a broad and less targeted examination.

pursuit

Focuses on the act of following or chasing something.

quest

Suggests a long and challenging search for something important.

examine

Implies a careful inspection to discover something.

FAQs

How to use "search" in a sentence?

You can use "search" as a verb to mean to look for something, as in "I need to "search for" my keys", or as a noun, referring to the act of searching, as in "The "hunt" for the missing hikers continued into the night".

What can I say instead of "search"?

You can use alternatives like "look for", "investigate", or "explore" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "do a search" or simply "search"?

Both are correct. "Do a "investigation"" is more emphatic, while "search" is direct.

What's the difference between "search" and "research"?

"Search" implies looking for something specific, while "research" involves a more in-depth and systematic study to discover new information.