I looked over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I looked over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to reviewing or examining something, such as a document or a situation. Example: "I looked over the report before submitting it to my supervisor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I looked over and saw Zane, rapt.

The New York Times

"I looked over and saw the gunman.

The Guardian

I looked over at him in confusion.

The Guardian

I looked over, then rushed over, both too late.

The New York Times - Magazine

I looked over to see what my date would do.

The New York Times

"I looked over, and there he was," Federer said.

The New York Times - Sports

I looked over and my mother was dancing with Madonna".

The Guardian - Film

"I looked over and saw the families," he said.

The New York Times

I looked over and sat on a swing.

The New Yorker

Later, I looked over and saw Vallejo, languorously kissing her boyfriend.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Twenty minutes later, I looked over and Larry was snoring," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I looked over" when you want to express a quick or general examination of something. It's suitable for describing a brief review, a glance, or a general survey.

Common error

Avoid using "I looked over" when a more thorough examination is required. For situations needing in-depth analysis, consider alternatives like "I scrutinized" or "I analyzed" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I looked over" typically functions as a verb phrase indicating a visual inspection or review. It expresses the action of examining something, often quickly or generally. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I looked over" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that signifies a quick or general examination. As verified by Ludwig, its primary function is to indicate a visual inspection or review. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives like "reviewed" or "examined" may be preferred in certain contexts. Most examples come from news and media, indicating its widespread use in journalistic and narrative writing. When writing, consider the level of detail you wish to convey and choose the most appropriate synonym to accurately reflect the depth of your examination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I took a look at

A common and straightforward way of saying you examined something.

I glanced at

Implies a quick, brief look, often without detailed examination.

I scanned

Suggests a rapid, comprehensive survey of something.

I surveyed

Implies a broader, more comprehensive view or examination.

I examined

Indicates a careful, detailed inspection.

I reviewed

Suggests a formal and methodical inspection, often of documents.

I checked out

A more casual expression for observing something or someone.

I observed

Implies a deliberate and attentive watch.

I gave it a once-over

Indicates a quick and often superficial examination.

I considered

Highlights thinking carefully about something.

FAQs

How can I use "I looked over" in a sentence?

You can use "I looked over" to describe a quick review or examination. For example, "I looked over the report before the meeting" or "I looked over the new design proposals".

What are some alternatives to "I looked over"?

Some alternatives to "I looked over" include "I glanced at", "I reviewed", "I scanned", or "I examined", depending on the context and the depth of the examination.

Is "I looked over" appropriate for formal writing?

While "I looked over" is grammatically correct, it can be perceived as somewhat informal. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "I reviewed" or "I examined" to maintain a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "I looked over" and "I overlooked"?

"I looked over" means you examined something, while "I overlooked" means you failed to notice something. They have opposite meanings, so use them carefully to avoid confusion.