What is the difference between look for and search

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It may not display this or other websites correctly. You should upgrade or use an alternative browser. What's the difference between search and "search for"? Thread starter Goleo8 Start date Apr 30, Goleo8 Member Chinese. Hi everyone, I am reading a design doc. I find the following sentence.

I wonder why they use "search for" here instead of "search". Is there difference between the sentence using search here and using "search for"? I was searching for my keys. I was looking for my keys.

To find is when you successfully see where it is. I was looking for my keys everywhere. Then I found them under the bed. Your explanation was really helpful. Thank you for your detailed explanation. The one learning a language! Learn about premium features. Tired of searching? I was writing a classified for a company, but I got confused between two different usage of 'search'. If you're in search of a quality marketing company, then your search ends here!

If you're in search for a quality marketing company, then your search ends here! Now, I want to know what native speakers say about the usage in above written sentences. Are they both okay? Leaving articles out is common when trying to be brief, like in news headlines, as seen in Maulik V's answer:. The FBI is involved in the [or a ] search for two brothers who are missing in Matamoros.

My sunglasses are missing. A search of my car did not find them. The search for my sunglasses is still going. Ah, the word 'search' is typically a noun! But then, idiomatically, it can be used as a 'verb'. The American Heritage Idioms Dictionary defines it:. Looking for, seeking, as in They went to California in search of gold, or I went to the library in quest of a quiet place to read.

On the other hand, in search for is possible but it's probably used in headlines or in the context where the 'search' has begun for something missing. So, to answer, better go with 'in search of' Sign up to join this community. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top.