Meaning
to search for or try to find
Primary Function
describes a search activity
Communicative Purpose
to express a need or ongoing effort to locate
Pattern
look for
Core Structure
look for
Função primária
describes a search activity
Propósito comunicativo
to express a need or ongoing effort to locate
Situações de gatilho
lost objects, job hunting, information seeking
Contextos
everyday, professional
Padrão
look for
Estrutura central
look for
Slots de substituição
a person, an object, a job, an answer, etc.
Colocados típicos
- still
- actively
- desperately
- what are you looking for?
- be on the lookout for
Substituições comuns
- search for
- seek
- hunt for
Erros comuns
using *look something without ‘for’ to mean search; *look to find
Similar / contraste
search for, seek, hunt for, be in search of
Interferências
Romance languages often have a single verb ‘buscar/cercare’ which is transitive; learners may omit ‘for’
Família do chunk
- search for
- seek
- hunt for
- pursue
Nuance
‘look for’ is the everyday term; ‘search for’ more intense; ‘seek’ formal
Efeito pragmático
neutral, universally useful
Dica de memória
“What are you looking for?”
Nota
This chunk is very common and essential for expressing a search activity. It is used in a wide range of contexts, from everyday situations to professional settings. Learners should become comfortable with the pattern 'look for' and understand the nuances between 'look for,' 'search for,' and 'seek.' Additionally, be aware of the common mistake of omitting 'for' when using 'look' to mean search.
Upgrade path
use ‘in search of’, ‘on the hunt for’ playfully; ‘seek’ in formal job ads
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