search for that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "search for that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to look for a specific item, information, or detail. Example: "If you can't find the document, please search for that in the shared drive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For example, don't write 'Director, Craig's Carpets' as no-one would search for that.

The Guardian

Anyone interested in African American architecture, for example, can search for that.

Los Angeles Times

Go to the search bar and type "Adobe Reader" and then search for that.

WikiHow

What are the compositions of life we can search for that make us live to full potential?

WikiHow

We continue to search for that".

The New York Times - Sports

Still, the search for that elusive beast continues this week.

The Guardian - Tech

Three threads follow the search for that lost boy, Will.

The New Yorker

"It's a constant search for that moment when lightening strikes," he said.

The New York Times

It's a guy on a search for that point of spiritual truth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If you have a specialism, you need to be found when people search for that too.

The Guardian

(A search for that phrase on YouTube yields more than fifty thousand videos).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "search for that" when you want someone to actively look for something. Avoid it when passively finding something.

Common error

Avoid using "search for that" without specifying what "that" refers to. Ensure the context makes it clear what the user is supposed to find, or the instruction becomes meaningless.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "search for that" functions primarily as an imperative, directing someone to perform a search. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It often appears in instructions or guides, as shown in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

11%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "search for that" is a common and grammatically sound imperative used to direct someone to find something specific. Ludwig confirms its correctness and wide applicability. While generally neutral in tone, it leans toward informal and is frequently found in news, media, and wiki contexts. To enhance clarity, always ensure the context makes clear what "that" refers to. For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "investigate that" or "seek that". In summary, while simple, "search for that" serves as a versatile and effective directive for guiding information retrieval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look for that

Uses a more common verb, "look", instead of "search", but retains the same meaning.

try to find that

Expresses an attempt to locate something.

find that

Focuses on the successful retrieval of something, implying the search is completed.

seek that

More formal and emphasizes the effort involved in the search.

hunt for that

Emphasizes a persistent and determined search.

investigate that

Implies a more detailed and thorough examination.

pursue that

Suggests a dedicated effort to obtain something, possibly over time.

explore that

Suggests a broader, less focused search, often involving discovery.

track down that

Implies a difficult search, often involving tracing or following a lead.

check that

Focuses on verifying the existence or status of something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "search for that" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "investigate that" or "seek that", which imply a more thorough and deliberate search.

Is "search for that" appropriate for all contexts?

While generally acceptable, "search for that" might be too informal for certain professional or academic settings. Consider using more precise language depending on the specific situation.

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

The phrases are largely interchangeable. "Look for that" is slightly more common in everyday conversation, while "search for that" can imply a more intentional or systematic effort.

Can I use "search for that" in academic writing?

It's generally acceptable, but ensure clarity and precision. Specify what "that" refers to and consider if a more formal alternative like "investigate that" or "examine that" would be more appropriate.