searching

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "searching" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of looking for something or seeking information. Example: "I spent hours searching for my lost keys."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Technology

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Searching for savings at the end of its term in government, Labor said it was indefinitely deferring the already legislated changes because the floating carbon price was forecast to be far lower than originally calculated and families did not need as much compensation.

The Guardian

In Iowa, rescue crews were searching for 17-year-old Logan Blake, who was swept away in a Cedar Rapids storm drain Monday night.

The Guardian

Investigators were searching in dense forest and farmland with abandoned buildings, as well as using road blocks and conducting house-to-house checks.

The Guardian

Footage taken from an emergency ministry helicopter searching for survivors showed clear and calm weather as other trawlers steamed towards the area of the accident.

The Guardian

I began searching for startups to work for as I felt that would be the best training for launching my own business in the future.

The Guardian

Here are few pieces of advice these veterans shared with us regarding searching for jobs after serving in the military.

The Guardian - Money

Matthaus's searching centre from the right found him in space in the penalty area with only Goycochea barring the way, but the sweeper's first touch was poor and enabled the goalkeeper to avert the danger with his legs, over which Augenthaler then threw himself, vainly appealing for a penalty.

The Guardian - Sport

The bankers and the hedge fund owners did well out of QE, but the side-effect of footloose money searching the globe for high yields was higher food and fuel prices.

The Guardian - Business

As part of the process of academy conversion, says Barry Bainbridge, former headteacher and now consultant, governors should be asking very searching questions of the headteacher to ensure the necessary levels of financial expertise are available to the senior leadership team.

The Guardian

A decade on from that terrible night when 23 men and women lost their lives searching for cockles, Hsiao-Hung Pai questions whether a similar tragedy could occur (Remember Morecambe Bay? Nothing has changed, 4 February).

The Guardian - Opinion

Partick Thistle are still searching for their first home victory of the SPFL season after goals from Dundee United's Farid El Alagui and the home side's Gary Fraser ensured a 1-1 drat at Firhill.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "looking for" or "seeking" to avoid repetition of the word "searching".

Common error

While "searching" is versatile, be mindful of formality. In highly formal documents or professional settings, consider more precise alternatives like "investigating" or "ascertaining" for enhanced clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "searching" is as a gerund or present participle. As a gerund, it functions as a noun (e.g., "Searching is hard"). As a present participle, it forms continuous verb tenses (e.g., "I am searching"). Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable presence in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

15%

Technology

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Arts

8%

Travel

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "searching" functions primarily as a verb, specifically as a gerund or present participle, indicating the act of looking for something. Ludwig AI confirms that it's accurate and usable. It's widely used across diverse contexts, with a neutral register suitable for most communication needs. While ubiquitous, varying your word choice with synonyms such as "looking for" or "seeking" can enhance writing. Ludwig’s analysis shows that it is a common word, frequently used in media and news, with very high source quality. Always consider your audience and context to ensure your choice is most fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looking for

This alternative is a more common and general way to express the action of trying to find something.

seeking

This alternative is a more formal and intentional version of looking for something, often information or assistance.

investigating

This alternative implies a more in-depth and systematic approach to finding something, usually related to problems or mysteries.

exploring

This alternative means examining or discussing something thoroughly, often to discover or learn more about it.

scouring

This alternative suggests a thorough and extensive search, often implying difficulty or urgency.

hunting for

This alternative conveys a determined and focused effort to find something specific.

questing

This alternative is a more literary and figurative way to describe the act of seeking something, often with a sense of adventure or purpose.

probing

This alternative suggests carefully and thoroughly trying to discover information or the truth about something.

rummaging

This alternative means searching through something in a disorganized or hurried way.

ferreting out

This alternative implies finding something after a great deal of searching and investigation.

FAQs

How can I use "searching" in a sentence?

You can use "searching" in various contexts, such as "I am "searching" for a new job", or "The police are "searching" for the missing person".

What's a good synonym for "searching"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "looking for", "seeking", or "investigating".

Is it always appropriate to use "searching" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, in very formal writing, consider more precise alternatives depending on the context. For instance, use "investigating" instead of "searching" if you want to sound more formal.

What's the difference between "searching" and "looking up"?

"Searching" implies a broader effort to find something, while "looking up" typically refers to finding specific information in a reference source.