was searched for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was searched for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something or someone was the subject of a search in the past. Example: "The missing documents were searched for extensively by the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Medline was searched for relevant articles.

Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids

So his tour bus was searched for weed?

The Guardian - Music

Then the collection was searched for undiscovered treasures.

The New York Times

Whig Hall was searched for bombs, closed at 7 00 A.M., and put under watch.

Princeton University

The labor and delivery database was searched for all deliveries at >41 weeks of gestation.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

PubMed was searched for articles and commentaries on placebo and for systematic reviews on placebo.

Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology

British officials said Dover port was searched for explosives last Friday.

The New York Times

In recent years, the mine was searched for the missing two sets of remains.

The New York Times

His house was searched for seven hours in the presence of his children.

Independent

Dawood Ibrahim was also found when "top 10 criminals" was searched for.

Independent

When Mr. Monem, the host, arrived, he was searched for weapons just as everyone else was.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "was searched for", ensure the subject of the sentence clearly indicates what performed the search. For example, "The database was searched for relevant articles."

Common error

Avoid using "was searched for" when an active construction is more appropriate. For instance, instead of "The error was searched for by the team", consider "The team searched for the error", which is more direct and concise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was searched for" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject underwent the action of being searched. Ludwig AI validates that the passive construction is suitable for various contexts, focusing on the action rather than the actor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

26%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was searched for" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility across various contexts. Predominantly found in scientific and news domains, it effectively communicates that a subject was the object of a search. When writing, be mindful of using the active voice for more direct sentences and avoid overuse in informal settings. Alternatives like "was investigated" or "was looked for" can provide nuance based on context. Overall, "was searched for" is a valuable tool for expressing search activities objectively and professionally.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was looked for

A more informal and direct way of saying something was the object of a search.

was investigated

Focuses on a more in-depth examination or inquiry rather than a general search.

was sought after

Emphasizes the desirability or value of what was being searched for.

was examined

Suggests a careful and detailed inspection as part of the search.

was scouted for

Implies searching with the purpose of finding someone or something with specific qualities or skills.

was explored for

Indicates a more open-ended search, possibly involving discovery or unfamiliar territory.

was hunted for

Implies a vigorous and determined search, possibly for something elusive or hidden.

was canvassed for

Suggests a thorough and systematic search, often involving direct contact or inquiry.

was pursued

Emphasizes the active effort and persistence in trying to find something.

was traced

Suggests following a path or sequence of clues to find something or someone.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "was searched for" to sound more active?

You can rephrase "was searched for" using an active voice construction. For example, instead of "The database was searched for relevant articles", try "Researchers searched the database for relevant articles." This often makes the sentence more direct and easier to understand.

What are some alternatives to "was searched for" in academic writing?

In academic writing, you might consider alternatives like "was investigated", "was examined", or "was analyzed", depending on the specific context. These alternatives can add nuance and precision to your writing.

Is it always better to use an active voice instead of "was searched for"?

Not always. The passive voice with "was searched for" is appropriate when the action is more important than the actor, or when the actor is unknown or irrelevant. For example, "The area was searched for survivors" is suitable when the focus is on the search itself, not who conducted it.

What's the difference between "was searched for" and "was looked for"?

"Was searched for" is generally more formal than "was looked for". "Was searched for" is often used in professional or academic contexts, while "was looked for" is more common in everyday conversation.