in search of, in search for

[joham]

In Search For Water On Mars Via Clues From Antarctica


Long Term Ecological Research Network site in Taylor Valley , one of the McMurdo Dry Valleys in Antarctica . Photo by Earle M. Holland, courtesy of Ohio State University.





by Staff Writers
Columbus OH (SPX) Dec 24, 2007
Scientists have gathered more evidence that suggests flowing water on Mars -- by comparing images of the red planet to an otherworldly landscape on Earth.











Dear teachers,

My question is: Could we replace the phrase 'in search for' in the headline with 'in search of'? What's the difference between the phrases of 'in search of, in search for, in a search for, in the search for'?

Thank you very much.

joham

[2006]

In Search For Water On Mars Via Clues From Antarctica
First of all, headlines usually have faulty grammar due to omission of words, so one can not pay too much attention to the English in headlines.
But, if we are trying to correct the grammar in that headline, I definitely would say 'in search of water'.
If you add "a" or "the", I would only say 'in (a)(the) search for water'.

The choice between "a" and "the" is the same as in any other "a"/"the" situation. If there is only one search that fits the headline, use "the", otherwise use "a".

Dear teachers,

My question is: Could we replace the phrase 'in search for' in the headline with 'in search of'? What's the difference between the phrases of 'in search of, in search for, in a search for, in the search for'?



joham

2006

[spenser]

Frederick T Wood, in his Prepositional Idiom, says:

"Set out on a search for something; but in search of. On a search for denotes a project, whereas in search of denotes a purpose, '...Captain Smollett and their crew set out... on a search for buried treasure/ The last few years of his life were spent in travelling from place to place in search of health.' "