we are in search of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are in search of" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is actively looking for or seeking something. Example: "We are in search of a new manager for our company. Please send your resume to the email provided if you are interested in the position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

We are in search of buried treasure.

The Guardian - Film

We are in search of prey: zebra, wildebeest, Viet Cong.

Harvard Business Review

"What we are in search of is a very mobile, very flexible, lethal force," he said.

The New York Times

"We are in search of Ebola survivors, those who were taken to [hospital].

Independent

We are in search of the oldest people on the island so that Judi can interview them for her book.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is not because we are in search of some private "religious experience" that will make us feel secure or holy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Parties are "in search of female voters".

Huffington Post

We're in search of the real Romney.

The New York Times

"We were in search of things we could do and share that were very personal and very intimate," he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

We were in search of the elusive tench on the Saltaire stretch of the Leeds-Liverpool canal at the time.

The Guardian - Sport

"We were in search of an esthetic within which to live," Mary writes near the beginning of "Meaning a Life," recounting the time just before she and George set off on a cross-country hitchhiking trip — one of a few that they took together in the nineteen-twenties — "and we were looking for it in our own American roots, in our country".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the context. If a more informal tone is appropriate, alternatives like "we're looking for" may be more suitable.

Common error

Avoid using "we are in search of" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "we're looking for" or "we need" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "we are in search of" is to act as a verbal phrase indicating a state of active pursuit or seeking. It establishes the intention of a group to find something, as demonstrated by Ludwig AI that confirms the grammar is correct and provides examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are in search of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate an active and intentional effort to find something. While it is suitable for various contexts, it is most appropriate for formal settings such as news reports, academic papers, and business communications. When deciding to use it, consider the target audience and the overall tone of the writing, and according to Ludwig AI, be mindful of the specific goal you want to achieve, remembering that alternative phrases may better fit informal needs. Using alternative phrases, as detailed in related phrases, can help you to express the same idea with different levels of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we're seeking

Uses a more concise verb form.

we are looking for

Employs a more common and direct alternative.

we're hunting for

Suggests a more active and intense search.

we are pursuing

Indicates a determined and focused effort.

we are on the lookout for

Highlights vigilance and anticipation in the search.

we aim to find

Shifts the focus to the goal of the search.

we are trying to locate

Emphasizes the effort to pinpoint something's location.

we're endeavoring to discover

Presents a formal and ambitious search.

we are undertaking a quest for

Implies a long and challenging search.

we are setting out to find

Emphasizes the commencement of the search.

FAQs

What does "we are in search of" mean?

The phrase "we are in search of" means that a group of people is actively looking for or trying to find something. It implies a focused and intentional effort to locate something that is currently missing or unknown.

Is it better to say "we are looking for" or "we are in search of"?

Both phrases are correct, but "we are in search of" is more formal. Use "we are looking for" in casual contexts and "we are in search of" when a more professional or academic tone is needed.

What can I say instead of "we are in search of"?

You can use alternatives like "we're seeking", "we are looking for", or "we're hunting for" depending on the context.

How do you use "we are in search of" in a sentence?

You can use "we are in search of" to describe what a group is trying to find. For example, "We are in search of a qualified candidate to fill the position" or "We are in search of new ways to improve our services".