sought after

USAGE SUMMARY

'sought after' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something or someone that is desired, admired, or sought by many people. For example: "This designer's one-of-a-kind handbags are highly sought after by fashion influencers around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Dr. Taylor is a highly sought after speaker.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

She was very sought after.

The New Yorker

They're fiercely sought after by collectors.

Independent

Other UK professionals are similarly sought after.

Independent

Cubism is sought after these days.

The New York Times - Arts

Newspapers were desperately sought after in camp.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

And the least sought-after?

The Economist

It's positively sought-after".

The Guardian - Business

It's sought-after work.

The New Yorker

"It's a sought-after job".

The New York Times

He is also a sought-after lecturer.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sought after" to describe professionals, items, or skills that are highly valued and in demand, emphasizing their desirability and importance.

Common error

Avoid exclusively using "sought after" in repetitive contexts like job descriptions. Vary your language to highlight the different aspects of desirability, such as value or in-demand status.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sought after" is that of a postpositive adjective. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun is highly desired or in demand. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

19%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Science

16%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sought after" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something or someone that is highly desired and in demand. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is suitable for use in a variety of contexts, including news, academia, and business. Its function is to emphasize the desirability and value of the subject, and it maintains a neutral to professional tone. Common alternatives include "in demand", "highly desirable", and "coveted". To use it effectively, ensure you are highlighting the valued nature of the subject, and avoid overuse in repetitive contexts. Ludwig's examples indicate the phrase is frequently used across various authoritative sources, making it a reliable choice for your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in demand

Focuses on the aspect of high demand or popularity.

highly desirable

Emphasizes the desirability and attractiveness of something.

coveted

Indicates a strong desire or longing for something.

much admired

Highlights the admiration and respect that something receives.

valued

Focuses on the importance and worth attributed to something.

popular choice

Suggests widespread preference among a selection of options.

widely requested

Implies that numerous requests have been made for something.

well-regarded

Emphasizes the positive reputation or esteem that something holds.

esteemed

Indicates high respect and admiration.

prestigious

Highlights the high status or reputation associated with something.

FAQs

How to use "sought after" in a sentence?

You can use "sought after" to describe someone or something that is highly desired or in demand. For example, "She is a "highly sought after" consultant in the industry".

What can I say instead of "sought after"?

You can use alternatives like "in demand", "highly desirable", or "coveted" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "sought after" or "sought-after"?

"Sought after" and "sought-after" are both acceptable. "Sought-after" is hyphenated when used as a compound adjective before a noun (e.g., "a sought-after expert"), while "sought after" is used when it follows the noun (e.g., "the expert is sought after").

What does it mean when someone is described as "sought after"?

When someone is described as "sought after", it means they are highly desired for their skills, qualities, or expertise. They are often in demand and may receive numerous offers or requests for their services.