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

search for a book

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

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

look for a book

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

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