set out in search of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set out in search of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone starts a journey in order to try to find something or someone. For example, "After hearing the reports of a mysterious creature living in the forest, the brave adventurer set out in search of the legendary beast."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So I set out in search of an answer.

The New York Times - Health

Tomorrow we would set out in search of the Eastern Shore.

The New York Times - Arts

She set out in search of disposable, eco-friendly and beautifully designed tableware.

The Guardian

The next morning, I set out in search of a waterfall said to be upriver.

The New York Times - Travel

With those words echoing in our ears, we set out in search of lard.

The New York Times - Food

Beyond that, operators have set out in search of new frontiers.

The Economist

Dr. Turyshev said he had set out in search of new physics.

The New York Times - Science

The objective was a mountain ridge some miles ahead, and he set out in search of his outfit.

The New Yorker

Though he set out in search of Mr. Tillman's whole story, he didn't find what he was looking for.

The New York Times - Books

But adolescent lions who set out in search of their own hunting grounds often come to an impasse.

The New Yorker

The new partners set out in search of scrap yards that were willing to sell to strangers.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set out in search of", ensure that the object of the search is clearly defined to provide context and clarity for the reader. For instance, "The team set out in search of a rare artifact" is more effective than "The team set out in search of something."

Common error

Avoid using "for" directly after "search of". The correct structure is "set out in search of" followed by the object you are seeking, not "set out to search for".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set out in search of" functions as a phrasal verb indicating the commencement of a journey or endeavor with the specific aim of finding something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It expresses the act of starting a quest or expedition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "set out in search of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the beginning of a journey or endeavor undertaken to find something specific. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's versatile enough for use in various contexts, although it's most prevalent in news and media. When writing, ensure the object of the search is clearly defined to provide adequate context. Alternatives such as "embark on a quest for" or "begin a journey to find" can be used for variety, but "set out in search of" remains a clear and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

launch an expedition to locate

Suggests a formal and organized search effort.

venture out to seek

Suggests a willingness to face risks or challenges in the search.

embark on a quest for

Emphasizes a more ambitious and challenging search.

start an investigation to uncover

Implies a more thorough and methodical search.

commence a hunt for

Emphasizes the element of actively seeking something that may be hidden.

go in pursuit of

Implies a chase or active following.

begin a journey to find

Highlights the travel aspect of the search.

take off to discover

Highlights the excitement and spontaneity of the search.

start looking for

A more direct and simple way of expressing the search.

head off in the direction of

Focuses on the physical act of moving towards a goal.

FAQs

How can I use "set out in search of" in a sentence?

You can use "set out in search of" to describe the beginning of a journey or endeavor with a specific goal in mind. For example: "The explorers "set out in search of" the lost city."

What are some alternatives to saying "set out in search of"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "embark on a quest for", "begin a journey to find", or "start looking for".

Is it correct to say "set out to search for" instead of "set out in search of"?

While "set out to search for" might seem similar, "set out in search of" is the idiomatic and more commonly used phrase. The former can sound slightly redundant, as 'set out' already implies an intention to search.

What is the difference between "set out in search of" and "go in pursuit of"?

"Set out in search of" implies a deliberate start to find something, whereas "go in pursuit of" suggests chasing or actively following something or someone.