search for a book vs look for a book

Both 'search for a book' and 'look for a book' are correct phrases, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Search for a book' implies a more thorough and extensive effort to find a specific book, while 'look for a book' is a more general and casual way of expressing the action of trying to find a book.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 1161 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"search for a book"

This phrase is used when you are making a more deliberate and thorough effort to find a specific book.

Examples:

I need to search for a book on ancient history for my research paper.
She spent hours searching for a book that she had misplaced.

Show examples from the web [+]

Erm, I was wondering if you could do a book search for me?
All the materials placed into individual evidence bags and you'd be asked to sign a search book.
Go to the Richmond Library, Search this book and songs.
If you want other additional titles, click on the "Continue to search another book" button.
So I had to search through the book for some other clue to follow.
Now while I was writing about this, I came upon a book called "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl.
Google Book Search Project: any impact on Europe?
This Schubert, this book search, how does it work?
The issue of orphan works has attracted increasing attention as a result of the Google Book Search legal case settlement in the United States of America which concerns many of these works.
Now, when it comes to the Google Book Search Project, the Commission sees the Google initiative as a demonstration that new business models are evolving to provide almost instant access to vast numbers of works to an increasing number of consumers.
He said: "No, no, one shouldn't search in books."
I am wandering the world in search of the lost book of Nostradamus.
What is the Commission's view of the Google Book Search project and its impact on the digitisation of books in Europe and the rights of stakeholders?
MEPs will call on the Commission to gives its views on the Google Book Search Project, and the project's impact on the digitisation of books in Europe and on the rights of authors.
Search for the sender photo in local address books
The EU proposal will ensure that books are only digitised with prior permission, and there will also be a serious search for orphan works.
Calls on the Council and Commission to participate, under the directive on electronic commerce, in the search for solutions that prevent the fixing of book prices from being avoided through electronic commerce;
CSIs are prioritising the search for that gun.
Freddy leads the search for breakfast.
Our search for the real thief has stalled.

Alternatives:

Hunt for a book
Seek out a book
Scour for a book
Explore for a book
Look up a book

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"look for a book"

This phrase is used when you are casually trying to find a book without implying an extensive search.

Examples:

I'm going to the library to look for a book on gardening.
Can you help me look for a book on cooking?

Show examples from the web [+]

Look for a book with a dark cover, Dstamped with runes of silver.
Looks like the basis for a book code.
Nowadays modern university libraries do not have books any more, but computers where you can look a book up and request it using keywords.
Alice enchanted it to look like a Book of Shadows.
But you didn't even look at a book.
I went to many shops to look for the book.
I went to many shops to look for the book.
And he'd look great on a book jacket.
We've all learned that people look for meaning in books.
Go find some guy to dance with I'll look for the book.
Why does the internet have to look like a book?
You asked me to look at a book.
We don't want money, just a little of your time... a look at a book or two, study of your maps.
You wanted ideas to write your book you look for inspiration
You wanted ideas to write your book you look for inspiration and put yourself into this hopeless situation
I took the liberty of bringing our look-book.
Why did you have to look through a book to find a psychiatrist?
The Army kind of limits my options, but if you want to put together a look-book, I'll show the barber.
We just need a location that feels premium for the look book.
And these are the sample look books, which you're welcome to use on any of your own projects.

Alternatives:

Search for a book
Hunt for a book
Seek out a book
Scour for a book
Explore for a book

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search for a book vs look for a book

"search for a book"

"look for a book"

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