verb
1
BAD : Rescue teams are still searching survivors.
GOOD : Rescue teams are still searching for survivors.
BAD : I searched my passport everywhere but couldn't find it.
GOOD : I searched for my passport everywhere but couldn't find it.
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search = (1) examine someone's clothing or pockets to discover whether they are carrying a gun, drugs, stolen goods etc: 'They searched him twice but didn't find anything.' (2) examine an area/house/cupboard etc carefully to try to find someone or something: 'I've searched the whole house from top to bottom.'
search for = try to find someone or something, especially by looking everywhere very carefully: 'We spent the whole morning searching for the ring.' 'At this time of the year, thousands of school leavers are searching for jobs.'
2
BAD : I decided to search for another hotel further down the road.
GOOD : I decided to look for another hotel further down the road.
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Use search for (and seek ) only when someone or something is very difficult to find: 'Investigators are still searching for clues as to the cause of the crash.'
Otherwise, use look for : 'I'll stay here with the bags while you go and look for a taxi.' 'If you're looking for some new shoes, you should try Clinkard's.'