search for independence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "search for independence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the pursuit or quest for autonomy, freedom, or self-sufficiency in various contexts, such as personal growth, political movements, or social issues. Example: "Many individuals embark on a journey to search for independence, seeking to break free from societal constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Thomas wrote about domestic life, women's search for independence, and conflicts between men and women.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was a joke, but not entirely, because "Rudolph," with its oedipal conflicts and its search for independence shadowed by fears of abandonment, is as on point, psychologically speaking, as an animated Christmas special is likely to get.

The New Yorker

And so, in the search for independence and attempts to fulfil ambition, both professional and personal, my parents and I must either try and fund private care at great expense, thereby limiting their precious retirement time alone together, or I must rely on friends and loved ones for support.

Independent

In their search for independence, the Basques in years past through Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA) carried out terrorist attacks, killing and kidnapping government representatives and innocent civilians as well.

Huffington Post

Adolescence is a time of transition and often results in a weakening of dietary habits over a period of time concurrent with the search for independence [ 9].

BMC Public Health

If you can present your case by showing how you won't abuse the changes that you're asking for, you might find your parents dealing with your search for independence more easily.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Years later, as a woman, she is still searching for independence from her lover.

The New York Times

Managers for boundary-spanning research activities need to combine the sometimes opposing logics and perspectives of the multiple stakeholders the individual researchers searching for independence, sustainability and freedom and others searching for integration, relevance and predictability.

Research Policy

(She claims that she was searching for "independence," but we all know the child-star/stage-parent relationship is endlessly laden with complex emotions).

Huffington Post

Now, of course, ethanol is widely touted — and, within reason, rightly so — as an important part of America's search for energy independence and greener fuels.

The New York Times

In the 1980s, the process became increasingly privatised and was matched by the terrorists' search for economic independence, which turned the armed struggle into a multimillion-dollar business and freedom fighters into entrepreneurs.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "search for independence", consider the specific context to ensure it aligns with the intended meaning. For personal contexts, focus on self-reliance; for political contexts, highlight autonomy and sovereignty.

Common error

Avoid using "search for independence" in contexts where independence is already implied. For example, saying "they searched for their independence and freedom" is redundant; simply state "they searched for independence".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "search for independence" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase that describes the act of seeking autonomy, freedom, or self-sufficiency.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "search for independence" is a grammatically sound and semantically rich expression used to convey the pursuit of autonomy, freedom, or self-reliance. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's suitable for various contexts, ranging from personal aspirations to national movements. While relatively uncommon, its usage is consistent across reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. When using the phrase, consider the specific context to ensure alignment with the intended meaning, and avoid redundancy by omitting it when independence is already implied. Alternatives such as "quest for autonomy" or "pursuit of freedom" can provide nuanced variations, enhancing clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quest for autonomy

Emphasizes the active pursuit of self-governance and freedom from external control.

pursuit of freedom

Highlights the aspiration for liberty and the actions taken to achieve it.

drive for self-reliance

Focuses on the ambition to become independent and depend on one's own capabilities.

yearning for liberation

Suggests a deep desire for freedom from oppression or restriction.

aspiration for sovereignty

Relates to the ambition of a nation or entity to achieve self-determination and control.

striving for self-sufficiency

Highlights the effort to become independent and meet one's own needs without external assistance.

hunt for autonomy

Uses a more active term for the act of seeking freedom

bid for independence

Emphasizes a formal attempt or effort to gain independence.

push for autonomy

Suggests a determined and forceful effort to achieve self-governance.

movement for liberation

Frames the search as a collective effort to achieve freedom from oppression.

FAQs

How can I use "search for independence" in a sentence?

You can use "search for independence" to describe the pursuit of autonomy or freedom. For example: "The country's "search for independence" led to a long and difficult war".

What's a good alternative to "search for independence"?

Alternatives include "quest for autonomy", "pursuit of freedom", or "drive for self-reliance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "search for independence" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "search for independence" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing political or social movements. However, consider using more precise language like "quest for sovereignty" in highly specific contexts.

What is the difference between "search for independence" and "fight for independence"?

"Search for independence" implies a broader, more exploratory approach, while "fight for independence" suggests a more direct, confrontational struggle. The latter is commonly used when physical conflict is involved.