search suspect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "search suspect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to law enforcement or investigations, typically referring to a person who is being investigated or looked for in connection with a crime. Example: "The police decided to search the suspect's home for any evidence related to the robbery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The 15-to-0 Security Council vote places potentially painful new constraints on North Korean banking, trade and travel, pressures countries to search suspect North Korean cargo and includes new enforcement language absent from previous measures.

The New York Times

The vote places potentially painful new constraints on North Korean banking, trade and travel; pressures countries to search suspect North Korean cargo; and includes new enforcement language absent from previous measures.

The New York Times

When they search suspect Mitchell Forman's (Sal S. Koussa) apartment, they find thousands of pens, many of which line the walls like bizarre decorations.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In the 1980s Victorian "sus" laws allowed police to search suspects on thin pretexts.

The Economist

A police sign by the pub declared that dogs would be used to search suspects.

Independent

If we are to achieve that, the police need to be able to stop and search suspected terrorists.

The Guardian - Opinion

'That all warrants, without oath or affirmation, to search suspected places, or to seize any person or property, are grievious and oppressive; and all general warrants—to search suspected places, or to apprehend suspected persons, without naming or describing the place, or the person in special—are illegal, and ought not to be granted.' See 3 Thorpe, Federal and State Constitutions (1909), 1688.

Cornell University

It gave police the power, if they feared violence or disorder, to stop and search suspects at a specific time and place.

The Guardian

A police force has agreed to strip officers' right to stop and search suspects if they are deemed to have abused the controversial law-enforcement tactic.

The Guardian

"The government supports the ability of police officers to stop and search suspects, but it must be applied fairly and in a way which builds community confidence.

The Guardian

A new offence of "driving when unlawfully in the UK" is still to come into force, giving enforcement officers additional powers to stop and search suspected illegal migrants.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "search suspect", ensure the context clearly indicates a law enforcement or investigative scenario. The phrase is most appropriate when referring to the act of looking for evidence related to a crime.

Common error

Avoid using "search suspect" in situations where a literal search isn't involved, such as when you simply mean to investigate someone's background without physical searching for evidence. Choose a more fitting phrase like "investigate the suspect" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "search suspect" functions as a verb phrase, often used in legal and investigative contexts. It typically describes an action undertaken by law enforcement. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, particularly in contexts related to law enforcement or investigations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "search suspect" is a grammatically sound term predominantly used in law enforcement and investigative contexts to describe the action of looking for a suspect, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While relatively rare in overall usage, it is most frequently found in news and media, maintaining a neutral to formal register. The phrase is best used when referring to the physical search for a person suspected of a crime, and alternative phrases like "investigate a suspect" or "look for a suspect" may be more appropriate in broader investigative contexts. Remember to use the phrase accurately to convey intended meaning and adhere to best writing practices to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

investigate a suspect

Focuses on the act of investigating, rather than the physical search.

look for a suspect

Emphasizes the act of seeking or trying to find a suspect.

hunt for a suspect

Suggests a more intensive and widespread search.

apprehend a suspect

Focuses on the act of capturing or arresting a suspect.

track down a suspect

Implies a detailed and persistent effort to find someone.

pursue a suspect

Highlights the act of following or chasing a suspect.

question a suspect

Focuses on interrogating a suspect to gather information.

detain a suspect

Highlights the act of holding a suspect in custody.

interrogate a suspect

Emphasizes the formal questioning of a suspect.

examine a suspect

Focuses on scrutinizing the suspect's background or actions.

FAQs

How is "search suspect" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "search suspect" is usually used to describe the action of law enforcement or investigators looking for a suspect in connection with a crime. For example, "The police decided to search suspect Mitchell Forman's apartment for clues".

What are some alternative phrases for "search suspect"?

Alternatives include "investigate a suspect", "look for a suspect", or "apprehend a suspect", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "search suspect" versus "investigate a suspect"?

"Search suspect" implies a physical search for evidence, while "investigate a suspect" suggests a broader inquiry into the suspect's background, activities, and potential involvement in a crime.

Is "search suspect" always related to criminal activity?

Yes, the phrase "search suspect" is almost exclusively used in the context of law enforcement or investigative work related to potential criminal activities. It's not typically used in casual or non-legal contexts.