What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scouring
Example
The detective was scouring the crime scene for any clues. [scouring: verb]
Example
She spent hours scouring the internet for the perfect gift. [scouring: gerund or present participle]
searching
Example
I have been searching for my keys all morning. [searching: present participle]
Example
The students were searching for the answer to the difficult question. [searching: gerund]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Searching is more commonly used than scouring in everyday language. Searching is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while scouring is less common and has a more specific connotation.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between scouring and searching?
Both scouring and searching can be used in formal and informal contexts, but searching is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations.
