You can describe the same hunt by naming its target or the place you examine.
The idea
Use look for before the thing sought. Use search before a place, and add for before the thing sought.
| Pattern | Focus |
|---|---|
| look for something | the person or thing sought |
| search a place (for something) | the place examined, optionally with the thing sought |
Examples
- I am looking for my keys.
- Maya looked for a quiet place to study.
- The children searched the garden for the missing ball.
- A volunteer searched the shelves for the blue folder.
- We searched the room but found no umbrella.
- Jon is looking for a job near his home.
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Watch out
Do not say search the keys when you mean you are trying to find them: that means examining the keys.
Try it yourself
Choose the correct option. Nina is ___ her glasses. (looking for / searching)
Show answer or example answer
looking for
looking for: Her glasses are the target, not the place examined.
Choose the correct option. They will ___ the attic for old photos. (look for / search)
Show answer or example answer
search
search: The attic is the place being examined.
Choose the correct option. We are searching the beach ___ a lost ring. (for / at)
Show answer or example answer
for
for: The ring is the target of the search.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the correct option. Nina is ___ her glasses. (looking for / searching)
Choose the correct option. They will ___ the attic for old photos. (look for / search)
Choose the correct option. We are searching the beach ___ a lost ring. (for / at)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe something you want to find and a place you could search.