Haven't found or didn't find?

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Ab.m

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If I was searching for something and I didn't find it. So I would say to my friend I searched about it but I didn't find. or I've searched but haven't found it ? And what is the difference between them?
 
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If I was searching for something and I didn't find it, [STRIKE]So I would[/STRIKE] should I say to my friend "I searched about it but I didn't find" or "I've searched but haven't found it"? And what is the difference between them?
For a start, "search about" doesn't work here. As for the choice of tense, it depends whether your actions have a present significance/importance. If so, use the present perfect (I've searched for it but haven't found it). Otherwise, use the past simple (I searched for it but didn't find it).
 
I am not a teacher.

I agree with teechar, but I would add that there are slightly different connotations with these two sentences.

'I've searched for it but haven't found it'- This implies that you will continue to look for it. The search is not yet over.
'I searched for it but didn't find it'- This implies that the search is over. You are done looking.
 
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I am not a teacher.

I agree with teechar, but I would add that there are slightly different connotations with these two sentences.

'I've searched for it but haven't found it'- This implies that you will continue to look for it. The search is not yet over.

or the search may be just finished, correct?
 
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Context determines meaning.
 
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