test looks for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "test looks for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the purpose or function of a test, particularly in scientific or technical contexts. Example: "The test looks for specific biomarkers to determine the presence of the disease."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

The anti-endomysial (EMA) test looks for antibodies against tissue called endomysium, which joins cells together.

Harvard University

A blood test looks for the presence of antibodies that attack the small intestine.

Harvard University

In particular, the test looks for abnormal eye responses that might indicate the subject isn't human.

The Guardian

The test looks for alterations in human DNA found in a stool sample.

The New York Times

The Cologuard test looks for mutations and chemical changes in DNA indicative of cancer.

The New York Times

The new test looks for those genetic markers in people's DNA.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

They were followed for nine years and given memory tests and a blood test looking for beta amyloid.

The New York Times - Health

A tip from "Taking the Sat I: Reasoning Test": Look for similar relationships between pairs of words, not for words with similar meanings.

The New York Times

The test looked for the chemicals formed when drugs used to treat certain gastrointestinal diseases are broken down in the body.

The New York Times

This starts with having an internist do a blood test looking for the "rheumatoid factor".

Huffington Post

When you look back through the test, look for your check marks and make educated guesses, or see if you remember them after a second look.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the objective of a test, use active voice to make your writing more direct and impactful. For example, use "the "test looks for" specific markers" instead of "specific markers are looked for by the test".

Common error

Ensure that the subject of the sentence is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Instead of saying "the "test looks for" alterations", specify which test is being referenced to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "test looks for" serves as a verb phrase indicating the purpose of a specific test. It describes what the test is designed to identify or detect. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is correct and frequently used. For example, "The HPV test looks for the virus that can cause these cell changes."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "test looks for" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the objective of a test, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It clearly conveys what a test is designed to identify or detect, ranging from viruses and genetic markers to specific proteins. Its frequency is considered uncommon, being primarily found in news, academic, and scientific contexts. For clarity, it’s advisable to specify the test being referenced to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases include ""test identifies"" and ""test detects"", each offering a slightly different emphasis. The phrase serves to inform and explain, maintaining a neutral register appropriate for both scientific and general audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

test identifies

Focuses on the identification aspect of the test.

test detects

Emphasizes the detection capability of the test.

test searches for

Highlights the active search performed by the test.

test aims to find

Indicates the intended goal of the test.

test is designed to find

Focuses on the design purpose of the test.

test checks for

Highlights the verification aspect of the test.

test is used to detect

Specifies the application of the test for detection.

test screens for

Indicates the test is part of a screening process.

assay looks for

Replaces "test" with "assay", implying a biochemical test.

method identifies

Replaces "test" with "method", suggesting a process of identification.

FAQs

What does it mean when a test "looks for" something?

When a "test looks for" something, it means the test is designed to identify or detect the presence of a specific substance, condition, or characteristic. For example, a blood test might "test identifies" antibodies or genetic markers.

What can I say instead of "the test looks for"?

Alternatives to "the test looks for" include "the "test detects"", "the "test identifies"", or "the test aims to "test aims to find"", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "the test looks for" or "the test searches for"?

Both "the test looks for" and "the "test searches for"" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. However, "the test looks for" is more common in general usage.

What does it mean when a genetic test "looks for" something?

When a genetic "test looks for" something, it typically means it "test detects" specific gene mutations, variations, or markers that are associated with certain genetic conditions or predispositions. This helps in diagnosing or assessing the risk of developing those conditions.