Meaning
search for; try to find
Primary Function
Phrasal verb of seeking
Communicative Purpose
describing search activity
Pattern
look for
Core Structure
look for
Função primária
Phrasal verb of seeking
Propósito comunicativo
describing search activity
Situações de gatilho
lost items, job hunting, information seeking
Contextos
everyday conversation, academic, professional
Padrão
look for
Estrutura central
look for
Slots de substituição
object (my keys, a new job, information, a solution)
Colocados típicos
- actively
- high and low
Substituições comuns
- search for (neutral)
- seek (formal)
Erros comuns
omitting preposition *look something → look for something; using “look after” for search (means care for)
Similar / contraste
look into (investigate), look after (care for), search for
Interferências
Romance languages may have a single verb for “search” (buscar, chercher) – learners may use “search” directly; “look for” is the most natural spoken choice
Família do chunk
- look for (noun rare)
Nuance
neutral, everyday; “seek” is more formal
Efeito pragmático
straightforward
Dica de memória
lost keys
Nota
This phrasal verb is commonly used in everyday language to describe the act of searching for something. It is essential to include the preposition 'for' to convey the correct meaning.
Upgrade path
look high and low for
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