Hi
It's very common in Indian English to use 'finding' where 'looking for' would work. For example:
- Sorry, I was busy finding my keys. (instead of looking for)
- What are you finding in my room? (instead of looking for)
I think the sentence above are wrong. BUT I heard a native speaker in the documentary, Inside Edition say something like this to a policeman.
My son is missing. You should be finding him.
at 0:45
Could you please give your take on this?
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Thanks,
Tom
Mr. TomSorry, I was busy finding my keys. (instead of looking for)
This does not strike me as all that unusual in US English. It's a little unusual.
Mr. TomWhat are you finding in my room? (instead of looking for)
This is not possible in US English.
Mr. TomI think the sentence above are wrong. BUT I heard a native speaker in the documentary, Inside Edition say something like this to a policeman.My son is missing. You should be finding him.
Again, a little unusual, but that is indeed what she wants, that they find him. It is a poor model for everyday speech even so.
Mr. TomSorry, I was busy finding my keys. (instead of looking for)
The difference is that "find" is a one-time event. Look for is durative.
e.g.
I was looking for my keys for an hour, but never found them.
Of course, it there are many items, as on a scavenger hunt or treasure hunt, the continuous is used.
Children spend all Easter morning finding colored eggs, wrapped candies and small toys hidden all over the house.
Mr. TomWhat are you finding in my room? (instead of looking for)
Yes, that is used in the case of hunting for many things.
The police were finding drugs, needles and bundles of cash in the suspect's apartment.
