totally looking for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "totally looking for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in informal contexts to express a strong desire or search for something specific. Example: "I'm totally looking for a new job that matches my skills and interests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"For me, I'm totally looking for new horizons," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I will totally look for someone with whom I can talk for hours and never get bored.

Huffington Post

"Totally looking good.

The New Yorker

See also: Harvey Milk High School, hearts, hats with pom-poms, Hamtaro ICELANDIC PONIES Iceland has special ponies that are really little and really fat and have big eyes and they totally look like My Little Pony for real.

Vice

The only people I see who have problems with the T.S.A. are either totally unorganized or looking for trouble.

The New York Times - Travel

"Whoever shows up here may be a totally benign force looking for life in the universe," he told The Huffington Post in an email.

Huffington Post

"A few of the ones I'm in shocked me – me and my brother Christophe, for example, we totally look the same!" (HT @GreatDismal).

BBC

A few months earlier, his mother had died in a car accident, and when he arrived he was "totally lost and just looking for something solid," said his wife, Tracy Orr-STracyan.

The New York Times

Turning over the two big properties may involve "repositioning" -- looking for some totally different type of owner-occupant and completely renovating office space to suit one or more tenants, the Cushman brokers acknowledged.

The New York Times

"We were looking for a totally new atmosphere.

The New York Times - Travel

The authorities were looking for a totally different man.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience. While acceptable, "totally looking for" might not be appropriate in professional or academic writing where a more formal tone is expected.

Common error

Avoid using "totally looking for" in formal documents, reports, or presentations. Opt for phrases like "actively seeking" or "earnestly trying to find" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "totally looking for" functions as a verb phrase, where "looking for" is the main verb indicating a search, and "totally" intensifies the action. This is supported by Ludwig, which identifies the phrase as correct and usable, mainly in informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "totally looking for" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, especially in informal settings to convey a strong desire or active search. Ludwig identifies its usage as primarily informal, supported by examples from various sources like news outlets and general web content. While appropriate for casual conversations, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "actively seeking" in professional or academic writing. Remember to consider your audience and maintain consistency in tone throughout your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

really searching for

Emphasizes the genuineness of the search.

definitely seeking

Conveys a sense of certainty in the search.

actively pursuing

Highlights the proactive nature of the search.

earnestly trying to find

Adds a layer of sincerity and effort to the search.

genuinely interested in finding

Focuses on the authentic interest driving the search.

strongly desiring to locate

Emphasizes the strong desire to find something.

intensely focused on discovering

Highlights the intense focus on the act of discovery.

eagerly anticipating finding

Expresses enthusiasm and anticipation in the search.

keenly searching out

Emphasizes the enthusiasm and thoroughness of the search.

absolutely trying to obtain

Highlights the determination and effort to get something

FAQs

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

You can use "totally looking for" to express a strong desire or active search for something, as in "I'm totally looking for a new apartment in the city."

What are some alternatives to "totally looking for"?

Alternatives include "really searching for", "definitely seeking", or "actively pursuing", depending on the context.

Is "totally looking for" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "totally looking for" is more suited for informal communication. Use more formal alternatives like "actively seeking" or "earnestly trying to find" in professional or academic settings.

Which is more emphatic: "looking for" or "totally looking for"?

"Totally looking for" is more emphatic due to the addition of the adverb "totally", which intensifies the search or desire. However, be mindful of the context and audience.