the quest for

USAGE SUMMARY

'the quest for' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are looking to express that someone or something is looking for something else. For example: "The quest for knowledge is never-ending."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Quest for Man.

Nature

The quest for real accountability must continue.

The New York Times

The quest for comfort knows no borders.

The New York Times - Books

Drag is about the quest for transformation.

The New Yorker

(See below The quest for rigour).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Then, the quest for redemption.

The New York Times

The quest for forbidden crystals.

Nature

Consequently, the quest for boosting patronage continues.

Transport Policy

The quest for trust has been fascinating.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The quest for perfection is self-defeating.

University of California, Berkeley

The quest for monopoly, monopsony, and control.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the quest for" to convey a sense of adventure, determination, or prolonged effort in achieving a goal.

Common error

While "the quest for" is widely applicable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or technical writing. Alternatives such as "the search for" or "the pursuit of" may be more appropriate in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the quest for" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to introduce a prolonged or challenging search.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

32%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the quest for" is a commonly used phrase that effectively describes a prolonged or challenging search for something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. While generally neutral in tone, it can be considered slightly formal, making it suitable for various contexts ranging from news and academic writing to less formal communication. When aiming for greater precision, consider alternatives like "the search for" or "the pursuit of". The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Science publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the search for

This alternative is a direct synonym, focusing on the act of seeking something.

the pursuit of

This alternative suggests a more determined and active effort in seeking something.

the striving for

This alternative emphasizes the effort and struggle involved in the pursuit.

the endeavor for

This alternative highlights the attempt or undertaking to achieve something.

the seeking of

This alternative places emphasis on the act of looking for something.

the drive for

This alternative suggests a strong motivation or impetus behind the pursuit.

the yearning for

This alternative emphasizes a deep longing or desire for something.

the crusade for

This alternative implies a passionate and dedicated campaign for a cause.

the ambition for

This alternative focuses on a strong desire for achievement or success.

the hunt for

This alternative suggests a methodical search, often for something elusive.

FAQs

What does "the quest for" mean?

The phrase "the quest for" describes a long or difficult search for something. It implies a journey or endeavor undertaken to find or achieve a specific goal.

What can I say instead of "the quest for"?

You can use alternatives like "the search for", "the pursuit of", or "the striving for" depending on the context.

Is "the quest for" formal or informal?

"The quest for" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in various contexts, from news articles to academic papers. However, in extremely formal writing, consider alternatives like "the endeavor for".

How to use "the quest for" in a sentence?

You can use "the quest for" to describe someone or something actively searching or pursuing a goal. For example, "The scientist's quest for a cure led to a groundbreaking discovery."