search for it

USAGE SUMMARY

"search for it" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express an action of actively looking for something. For example: "I have misplaced my keys. I'm going to search for it around the house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Do not search for it on OpenTable.

The New York Times - Food

How about a web search for it?

The Guardian - Film

How do you even search for it?

Harvard University

You wouldn't have to search for it.

The New York Times - Tech

I also can't search for it using Luke.

University of California, Berkeley

He will search for it everywhere he goes".

The New Yorker

Then you can try to search for it.

University of California, Berkeley

Now you have to search for it around here".

The New York Times

(He wouldn't sleep for weeks in his search for it).

The New York Times

Using text allows you to easily search for it.

Columbia University

Comfort is always there if we search for it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "search for it" when you want to emphasize a directed effort to find something, whether physical or abstract. For broader or more casual seeking, consider alternatives like "look for it".

Common error

Avoid using "search for it" in very casual conversation where simpler alternatives like "look for it" or even just "find it" would sound more natural. Overusing the phrase in informal contexts can make your speech sound overly formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "search for it" functions primarily as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms it’s grammatically correct. It describes the action of actively seeking something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

23%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "search for it" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed verb phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's used to convey the action of actively seeking something, whether tangible or intangible. While versatile across various contexts, it's most prevalent in News & Media and Academia. When writing, consider if a more casual alternative like "look for it" better suits the tone. It's crucial to recognize that overusing "search for it" in informal settings may sound unnatural. In conclusion, "search for it" is a valuable tool for clear and precise communication, provided it's wielded with an awareness of context and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look for it

Direct synonym, replacing "search" with "look", maintaining the same meaning and level of formality.

seek it out

Implies a more deliberate and active effort in finding something.

try to find it

Expresses the attempt to locate something, with no guarantee of success.

hunt for it

Suggests a more intense and persistent search.

be on the lookout for it

Indicates a state of vigilance while waiting for something to appear.

track it down

Implies finding something that is difficult to locate, often requiring investigation.

ferret it out

Suggests uncovering something hidden or secret.

investigate it

Implies a systematic and formal examination to discover something.

pursue it

Indicates following or striving for something, often with determination.

quest for it

Evokes a long and challenging journey in search of something valuable.

FAQs

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

You can use "search for it" when you want to express an active effort to locate something. For example, "I lost my keys, so I need to "search for it" around the house."

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

Alternatives to "search for it" include "look for it", "seek it out", or "try to find it", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more correct to say "search it" or "search for it"?

While "search" can sometimes be used without "for" when referring to a database or the internet (e.g. "search the database"), when referring to a general act of looking for something, "search for it" is the more common and grammatically sound choice.

What's the difference between "look for it" and "search for it"?

"Look for it" is generally a more casual and broad term for trying to find something, while "search for it" implies a more deliberate and thorough effort. In many cases, they can be used interchangeably, but "search for it" suggests a more focused attempt.