searching for weapons

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "searching for weapons" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to investigations, military operations, or security checks where the objective is to locate weapons. Example: "The authorities are searching for weapons in the suspect's residence as part of the ongoing investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

"They are also searching for weapons.

Independent

But most are on other duties, such as searching for weapons of mass destruction.

The Economist

Police on Monday said they were searching for weapons and questioning suspects.

Independent

Early on Sunday, the police raided the school, contending that they were searching for weapons.

The New York Times

The Iraqi version Monday morning British troops patrol town searching for weapons.

The Guardian

Sometimes, searching for weapons, they patted down Albanian women in a fashion that offended Albanian men.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

You aren't searched for weapons at the door.

The New York Times

When Mr. Monem, the host, arrived, he was searched for weapons just as everyone else was.

The New York Times

The troops regularly search for weapons in Mitrovica, where Serbs and Albanians clashed violently in February.

The New York Times

The same PO was asked why the prisoners attending church were not searched for weapons.

The Guardian

In November 2002, the Iraqis let inspectors return to search for weapons of mass destruction.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about military or law enforcement operations, use "searching for weapons" to clearly convey the act of looking for arms or contraband. This phrase is widely understood and accepted.

Common error

While "searching for weapons" is acceptable in formal and news contexts, consider more casual alternatives like "looking for weapons" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "searching for weapons" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, indicating an action. Ludwig examples confirm its use in describing activities carried out by law enforcement, military personnel, or security forces.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "searching for weapons" is a commonly used verbal phrase that accurately describes the action of seeking out armaments. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news reports, encyclopedias, and other formal contexts. While "looking for arms" serves as a more informal alternative, "searching for weapons" is best suited for professional, neutral, and even scientific communications. When using the phrase, ensure clarity and precision, especially when detailing specific operations or investigations. The phrase carries a tone of urgency and potential danger, befitting the serious nature of its subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looking for arms

Replaces "searching" with "looking", a more informal synonym, and "weapons" with "arms", another word for weaponry.

seeking weapons

Substitutes "searching" with "seeking", maintaining a formal tone.

conducting a weapons search

Transforms the phrase into a noun phrase, emphasizing the action of searching.

carrying out a search for weapons

Similar to the previous phrase, but with a more elaborate verb phrase.

scouring for weapons

Replaces "searching" with "scouring", implying a more thorough and intense search.

hunting for weapons

Uses "hunting" instead of "searching", suggesting a pursuit.

detecting weapons

Focuses on the act of finding or discovering weapons, rather than the search itself.

locating weapons

Highlights the objective of finding weapons.

ferreting out weapons

Implies a secretive or hidden search.

pursuing weapons

Suggests an active chase or quest to find weapons.

FAQs

How can I use "searching for weapons" in a sentence?

You can use "searching for weapons" in sentences like: "The police are "searching for weapons" at the suspect's home." or "Troops were "searching for weapons" in the abandoned building".

What's a less formal way to say "searching for weapons"?

A less formal alternative to "searching for weapons" is "looking for weapons", which is suitable for casual conversation or informal writing.

Is "searching for weapons" the same as "seeking weapons"?

While both phrases mean to find arms, "searching for weapons" implies a physical search, while "seeking weapons" can also refer to a more general effort to acquire or obtain them.

When is it appropriate to use "searching for weapons" in writing?

"Searching for weapons" is appropriate in formal writing, news reports, or when describing law enforcement or military actions. It accurately conveys the act of looking for armaments.