searched through

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "searched through" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of looking carefully in a particular place or among a group of items to find something. Example: "She searched through the old boxes in the attic, hoping to find her childhood photographs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They searched through the night.

Independent

I searched through all the files.

Independent

I had searched through the anthologies.

Stanford University

Our holdings can be searched through our online database, MCZbase.

Harvard University

Photographs and ephemera can also be searched through HOLLIS Images.

Harvard University

Nineteen databases were searched through to February 2009.

The Journal of Pain

Officials searched through the rubble today for more possible victims.

The New York Times

The video collection can be searched through the online Video Library.

Stanford University

case law? > I searched through Lexis and EU case law, but have not located anything.

Columbia University

She has searched through thousands of documents, photographing or copying those she deemed important.

Harvard University

I searched through Lexis and EU case law, but have not located anything.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "searched through", ensure the context clearly indicates what was being searched and the purpose of the search. For example, specify the location or type of documents examined to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "searched through" repeatedly within a short span of text without varying the description of the search. Instead of saying "She searched through the files. She searched through the drawers", try specifying the contents or method of searching, like "She meticulously examined the files" or "She rummaged through the drawers".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "searched through" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of carefully and thoroughly examining something. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's a common phrase used across different contexts to describe a detailed search.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

26%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "searched through" is a versatile and frequently used phrase indicating a careful and detailed examination, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts, though attention should be paid to avoiding redundancy by diversifying descriptions of the search. The phrase is particularly common in news and academic writing, reflecting its broad applicability. For alternative expressions, consider "scoured", "combed through", or "examined thoroughly" to add nuance or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scoured

Implies a diligent and comprehensive search, often covering a wide area.

combed through

Suggests a careful and methodical search, similar to using a comb.

looked through carefully

Highlights the attentiveness of the search, suitable for various contexts.

went through meticulously

Emphasizes the precision and detail-oriented nature of the search.

examined thoroughly

Focuses on a detailed examination but does not necessarily imply a physical search.

sifted through

Suggests separating valuable items from unwanted ones during the search.

investigated extensively

Emphasizes the investigative aspect, often in a more formal context.

hunted through

Implies an active and persistent search, often for something elusive.

rummaged through

Indicates a less organized search, often involving digging or shifting items.

sorted through

Implies organizing while searching, suitable when items are categorized.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "searched through"?

You can use alternatives like "scoured", "combed through", or "examined thoroughly" depending on the context.

Is "searched through" formal or informal?

"Searched through" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.

How to use "searched through" in a sentence?

You can use "searched through" to describe the act of looking carefully in a particular place or among a group of items to find something. For example: "The detective "searched through" the evidence for clues."

What's the difference between ""searched through"" and "looked through"?

"Searched through" implies a more thorough and often more disorganized search than "looked through". "Looked through" can simply mean glancing at something, while ""searched through"" suggests a more intent investigation.