Preposition

1. In search OF matching pairs. Fine.
2. Searching FOR something. Fine.
3. Searching something (without for). Fine, but the meaning is different from 3.


Here's how 2 and 3 work in context:


I was searching for the answer but I couldn't find it.

The security guards searched (= frisked) him at the entrance.

The police searched the

"in search of (something)" is a correct expression ("search" is a noun in this case).

"searching for X" means trying to find X. For example, "The police are searching for evidence".

"searching X" means looking for something in/at X. For example, "The police are searching the house".

Jodi ChengAre the following prepositions correct when used with the word, "search"?

Yes.

Jodi ChengAre 2 & 3 the same in meaning?

No. Both leave out something from the full form: to search [ something / somewhere ] for [ something ].

to search the internet for articles on astronomy

As in 2:

Thank you very much! Now I know the difference between "searching for" and "search (without for)"! :-)