searches for

USAGE SUMMARY

"searches for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person or thing that is looking for something. For example: "The detective searches for clues to the unsolved mystery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Brienne searches for Sansa.

Independent

Testosterone searches for release.

The Guardian - Sport

Customized searches for investment ideas.

The New York Times

Searches for any other purpose were forbidden.

The New York Times

She searches for an example.

The Guardian - Music

Jackson Brodie searches for a missing woman.

The New York Times - Books

He searches for one in vain.

The New Yorker

Google searches for "cheap" flights to Europe!

The New York Times

Army searches for a first victory.

The New York Times - Sports

The small boy searches for an explanation.

The New Yorker

Searches for new social network collapse.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "searches for", ensure the object being searched for is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The researcher searches for patterns in the data" is more precise than "The researcher searches."

Common error

Avoid using "searches for" when a simple transitive verb would suffice. Instead of saying "He searches for answers", consider the more direct "He seeks answers".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "searches for" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "searches" is the verb and "for" is a preposition that combines to indicate the action of looking for something. Ludwig AI states the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

20%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "searches for" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that effectively conveys the act of seeking something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. While applicable across various contexts, its frequency is highest in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in what is being sought and consider more direct verbs when appropriate. Alternatives like "seeks" or ""looks for"" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looks for

More general term for seeking something. Differs in formality and directness.

seeks

More formal term suggesting a deliberate and often prolonged search. Implies a more serious intent.

hunts for

Implies a more active and determined search, often suggesting the quarry is difficult to find.

quests after

Suggests a long or adventurous search.

explores for

Focuses on discovering or investigating something, rather than just finding it.

investigates

Emphasizes a systematic and detailed examination to find something, often related to solving a problem or uncovering information.

pursues

Implies a determined effort to obtain or achieve something, often over a period of time.

scours for

Indicates a thorough and widespread search, often in a desperate or urgent manner.

rummages through

Suggests a disorganized search, often involving moving things around to find something.

ferrets out

Implies finding something hidden or difficult to discover, often through clever or persistent searching.

FAQs

How do I use "searches for" in a sentence?

Use "searches for" when the subject is actively looking for something specific. For example, "The detective "looks for" clues at the crime scene."

What are some alternatives to "searches for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "seeks", ""looks for"", or "hunts for".

Is there a difference between "searches for" and "searches"?

"Searches" can be used intransitively, implying a general act of searching. "Searches for" always requires a direct object specifying what is being searched.

When is it more appropriate to use "seeks" instead of "searches for"?

"Seeks" is more formal and often implies a more serious or profound search. Use "seeks" when the search is for something abstract or of great importance.