searched for

USAGE SUMMARY

"searched for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are describing the actions of someone looking for something. Example: She searched for the missing key but couldn't find it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He searched for a word.

The New Yorker

They searched for a ladder.

The New York Times

The Buddha searched for truth.

The New York Times

Some searched for valuables.

The New York Times

We searched for them.

The Guardian - Books

Some searched for neighbors.

The New York Times

They searched for volunteers.

The Guardian

He searched for weeks.

The New York Times

So I searched for more.

The New York Times

The scientists then searched for patterns.

The New York Times - Science

We searched for them night and day.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "searched for" when you want to clearly state that someone actively looked for something, whether they found it or not. It's a straightforward and easily understood phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "searched for" when "sought" or "looked for" might be more appropriate. "Sought" implies a more formal or literary context, while "looked for" is generally more casual.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "searched for" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as the main verb in a clause. It describes the action of actively looking for something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

35%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "searched for" is a versatile and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the act of looking for something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread use. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating its suitability for both formal and informal writing. While direct synonyms like "looked for" exist, "sought" can introduce a more formal tone. When using "searched for", ensure the object of the search is clearly identified, and consider whether "searched through" might be more appropriate when specifying the location examined.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looked for

A more common and slightly less formal synonym.

sought

A more formal and literary synonym, implying a deliberate and persistent search.

scoured for

Implies a thorough and exhaustive search, covering a wide area.

hunted for

Suggests a more intense and active search, often implying something difficult to find.

combed through

Similar to 'scoured', but suggests a more meticulous and detailed examination.

tried to find

Emphasizes the effort made in attempting to locate something.

investigated

This implies a methodical and systematic search, often used in formal or official contexts.

were in search of

A more descriptive phrase, indicating the state of actively looking for something.

undertook a search for

Highlights the action of beginning a search.

made a quest for

Suggests a longer, important search.

FAQs

How can I use "searched for" in a sentence?

The phrase "searched for" is used to describe the action of looking for something. Example: "She "searched for" her keys everywhere".

What is a more formal alternative to "searched for"?

A more formal alternative to "searched for" is "sought". For example, instead of saying "They searched for the truth", you could say "They sought the truth".

Is "searched for" the same as "looked for"?

While "searched for" and "looked for" are often interchangeable, "searched for" can imply a more thorough or determined effort to find something.

What is the difference between "searched for" and "searched through"?

"Searched for" indicates the object of the search, while "searched through" indicates the place or container that was examined. For example, "She "searched for" her wallet" versus "She searched through her bag".