testing for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "testing for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone or something is being evaluated or examined for a specific purpose or trait. Example: The doctor performed various tests on the patient, testing for any signs of infection or illness.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the future looks testing for them.

The Economist

Testing for HGH will begin this spring.

The New York Times

Repeated testing for these diseases was negative.

The New York Times

She scraped away snow, testing for scent.

The New York Times - Sports

Testing for it requires a biopsy.

The New York Times - Magazine

However, it will be testing for him.

The Guardian - Sport

Anonymous testing for steroids began in 2003.

The New York Times

Final testing for Glasonbury's most elaborate stage.

The Guardian - Music

And then the testing for cancer began.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There was no testing for amphetamines.

The New York Times - Sports

Baseball did not begin testing for amphetamines until three years after it began testing for steroids.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, ensure the subject performing the "testing" is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify who is "testing for" what.

Common error

Avoid using "testing for" too broadly. Instead of "testing for problems", be specific: "testing for defects", "testing for vulnerabilities", or "testing for malfunctions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "testing for" functions as a prepositional phrase often used to specify the purpose of an examination or evaluation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it denotes a directed assessment, aiming to identify the presence or absence of a specific attribute or condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "testing for" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate the specific target of a test or examination. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used in written English. It's commonly found in various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as science. While "testing for" is generally appropriate for both formal and informal settings, clarity is enhanced by specifying the subject and the specific item being tested. Alternatives like "screening for", "checking for", and "examining for" may provide nuances in meaning. By avoiding overgeneralization and providing specific context, writers can ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

screening for

Focuses on preliminary examination to identify potential issues.

checking for

Emphasizes a more general verification or inspection process.

examining for

Suggests a detailed inspection to uncover specific attributes.

assessing for

Highlights the evaluation of something's quality or value.

investigating for

Implies a more in-depth inquiry to find underlying causes.

evaluating for

Centers on determining the significance or worth of something.

analyzing for

Focuses on detailed examination to understand the nature of something.

searching for

Highlights the process of looking for something specific.

probing for

Implies a deep and thorough investigation.

looking for

Simple form for seeking something.

FAQs

How is "testing for" typically used in a sentence?

"Testing for" is used to indicate that an examination or evaluation is being conducted to identify the presence or absence of something. For example, "The doctor is "testing for" diabetes" indicates an evaluation to identify if the person has diabetes.

What are some alternatives to "testing for"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "testing for" with alternatives such as "screening for", "checking for", or "examining for".

Is it always necessary to specify what is being tested for after "testing for"?

While it's not always grammatically required, specifying what's being tested for provides clarity. Omitting it can create ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "We are testing", specify "We are "testing for" defects".

What is the difference between "testing for" and "testing against"?

"Testing for" implies checking for the presence of something, while "testing against" suggests evaluating something relative to a standard or opposing force. For example, you might test a sample "testing for" contamination, but test a product "testing against" industry benchmarks.