standing looking for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "standing looking for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person who is physically standing while searching for something or someone, often implying a sense of waiting or searching attentively. Example: "She was standing looking for her lost keys in the crowded room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Michael Fassbender just standing around looking for all the world like Michael Fassbender usually does.

The Guardian - Film

The century's closing statement about the value of simply standing and looking for its own sake, the work dovetails perfectly with Judd's whole concept for Marfa, an essential addition to High Minimalism's most ambitious and idiosyncratic enterprise.

The New York Times - Arts

Everyone is standing around looking for open-carry protesters or black activists to take pictures of, but instead all they find are Elect Jesus water bottles and food trucks.

Vice

Results from some studies indicate that boys are more likely to get involved in ball-based games and girls in sedentary activities such as socializing with friends, standing, and looking for friends [ 14, 31, 32].

BMC Pediatrics

They are all standing, looking out to sea, except for B, who is still sitting down.

The New Yorker

The event was booked out and there were people standing outside desperately looking for tickets.

The Guardian - Books

Jeff Ruby's downtown was not much better, populated by a thin crowd of maybe two dozen 50-something divorcés, mostly men, who were standing around and looking for things to do.

Forbes

While many thought Haye's best chance of victory was to come out and take risks, the opening rounds were cagey affairs, with Haye standing off and looking for an opening and the Ukrainian trying to pin him down with his jab, his signature shot.

BBC

Last night there were unconfirmed reports that Kirkbride, who is also standing down, was also looking for a job in lobbying.

Independent

That allowed the Jets to drop defenders into zone coverage, and they blanketed the Patriots' multifaceted weapons, leaving Brady standing in the pocket, looking for long seconds at nothing.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Ramos said that he and other residents in his district would definitely support a hiring hall that "would alleviate the quality-of-life issues caused by people standing on the corner looking for work".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "standing looking for" to vividly depict a character's anticipation or focused search, especially when physical presence is relevant. For instance, "He was standing looking for his train, anxiously checking the departure board."

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences where "standing looking for" becomes a passive description. Instead of "The lost dog was seen standing looking for its owner", opt for the active voice: "Passersby saw the lost dog standing looking for its owner", to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "standing looking for" functions primarily as a descriptive element, often modifying a noun or pronoun. It vividly paints a picture of someone in a state of expectation or active search while maintaining a stationary position. This is corroborated by Ludwig, which identifies it as a valid and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "standing looking for" effectively depicts a scene of someone physically present and actively searching or waiting. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and versatile, fitting well in various contexts, particularly news and media. While it isn't restricted to formal settings, avoiding passive voice constructions enhances its impact. Alternatives such as "waiting and seeking" or "standing in search of" can offer slight variations in tone and emphasis, enriching your writing choices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

standing in search of

Replaces "looking for" with the more formal "in search of", creating a slightly elevated tone.

waiting and seeking

Replaces "standing" with "waiting" to emphasize anticipation; "looking for" is replaced with "seeking" to give a slightly more formal tone.

positioned looking for

Emphasizes the physical act of being positioned while searching, slightly more formal than "standing".

remaining while searching

Replaces "standing" with "remaining" to focus on the act of staying in place; "looking for" becomes "searching" for a more straightforward feel.

stationed while searching

Suggests a more official or assigned position compared to simply "standing", implying duty or purpose.

staying put while seeking

Uses a more casual "staying put" instead of "standing", and replaces "looking for" with "seeking" for a slightly different nuance.

being still while seeking

Highlights stillness as a key element of the action, with a more formal "seeking" replacing "looking for".

waiting while finding

Combines the anticipation of waiting with the action of finding, a slight shift from actively looking.

paused while seeking

Implies a temporary stop in motion to search, adding a sense of brief interruption.

abiding while searching

Uses the more archaic term "abiding" to denote remaining in place, paired with "searching" for a somewhat literary tone.

FAQs

How can I use "standing looking for" in a sentence?

You can use "standing looking for" to describe someone who is physically standing while searching for something. For example, "She was "standing looking for" her keys in the crowded room".

What are some alternatives to "standing looking for"?

You might consider using phrases like "waiting and seeking", "standing in search of", or "remaining while searching" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "standing looking for" grammatically correct?

Yes, "standing looking for" is grammatically correct. It uses a gerund phrase ("standing") followed by a prepositional phrase ("looking for").

What's the difference between "standing looking for" and "standing searching for"?

"Standing looking for" and "standing searching for" are very similar. "Looking for" is slightly more informal and common, while "searching for" emphasizes a more deliberate and focused effort.