search for和look for意思相近，都有寻找的意思，强调过程，但是前者还有一种“探索，探求”的意味。look for 指“寻找”不见的或丢失的东西，还没有找到，处在寻找的过程中；例如：What are you looking for? 你在找什么呢？I'm looking for my master. 我在找我的师傅。

search…for…指“为了找到...…而搜查...…”；例如：

They're searching the jungle for the spy. 他们在丛林中搜查那个间谍。

You can use a directory service to search for people on the Internet.

你可以利用因特网的目录服务搜索人名。

NASA has started a 10-year search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

美国航空航天局已经启动了一个为期10年的寻找外星人的项目。

They are each anxious to maintain the momentum of the search for a solution.

他们每个人都迫切希望能一直劲头十足地去寻求解决方案。

I've searched high and low for those files.

我为了找那些文件，四处都翻遍了。

The boy searched every box for his toy car. 男孩翻看每一个盒子，为了找到他的玩具车

I volunteered to search for the missing child. 我自愿去寻找那个失踪的孩子。 Let us look for it.- 我们去找一找。

find是找到的意思，强调结果。 find 指“找到了”，表达寻找有了结果；

I find my book in the desk。 我发现我的书在课桌里。

find out是查出的意思，强调目的。另外 find out 主要指“查明一个事实真相，找出不容易被发现的东西”。

Let's work in a team to find out the problem. 让我们合作找出问题的所在。

They have find out what was wrong. 他们已经搞明白什么出了问题。

We'll find out shortly! 我们很快就知道了！

I looked for my book here and there, finally I found it under my bed.

我到处找我的书，最后在床底下找了。

You can find out whether they are prepared to share the cost of the flowers with you

你可以弄清楚他们是否愿意和你一起分担买花的费用。

I need to find out who tried to frame me

我得找出是谁企图诬陷我。

In working with others, you find out more about yourself.

在与别人一起工作的过程中，你会进一步认识你自己。

I want you to do everything you can to find out who's responsible.

我希望你能尽一切可能找出责任人。

I was relieved to find out that my problems were due to a genuine disorder

得知我的问题确实是由于病症引起的，我松了口气。

Find out how much your surveyor's and solicitor's fees will be.

弄清你要向鉴定员和律师支付多少费用。

With geological maps, books and atlases you can find out all the proven sites of preciousminerals.

有了地质图、书籍和地图册，你便可以找到所有已探明的珍贵矿藏的位置。

I looked for my umbrella every, but I couldn't find it. 我到处找我的雨伞，可是找不着。

Have you found your key yet? 你找到要是了吗？