Look over carefully

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Look over carefully" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to examine or review something with attention to detail. Example: "Before submitting your report, please look over carefully to ensure there are no errors."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Look over them carefully.

WikiHow

Look over it carefully and listen to what it says.

WikiHow

Look over the bag carefully for damage.

WikiHow

Look over the form carefully to double check if you need to add some clauses or modify it according to your state laws.

WikiHow

Look over the photos carefully, and see if there are poses you'd like to repeat on the big day, if there are certain angles that are more flattering for you, or if you get a better idea of how to wear your hair for the big day.

WikiHow

Look over offers like these carefully with your lawyer: the settlement amount will probably be lower than what you might get in court, but offers a greater level of certainty on the outcome of your case.

HuffPost

Look over items at sales carefully, making sure the asking prices are fair based on item conditions.

WikiHow

Look over the prompt (and rubric, if you have one) carefully and underline key phrases.

WikiHow

Look over any prompt or guidelines you have for writing the essay very carefully.

WikiHow

Look over items carefully before you buy at yard sales.

WikiHow

Please look over this list carefully.

Johns Hopkins University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "look over carefully", ensure the context requires a detailed examination, not just a quick glance. This phrase is best suited for situations where accuracy and completeness are crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "look over carefully" in situations where a simple "check" or "review" would suffice. Overusing it can make your language sound unnecessarily formal or pedantic in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look over carefully" functions primarily as a directive, instructing someone to perform a thorough examination. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. Examples show this instruction applies to various objects from documents to physical items.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "look over carefully" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, according to Ludwig. It serves as a directive to thoroughly examine something, emphasizing accuracy and attention to detail. While versatile, it's best suited for contexts where thoroughness is important, and less so for casual situations where simpler alternatives like "check" or "review" would suffice. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its usage across various domains, including Wiki articles, news reports, and academic guidelines, highlighting its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Examine meticulously

Replaces "look over" with a stronger verb and "carefully" with an adverb emphasizing precision.

Review thoroughly

Substitutes both verbs and adverbs for synonyms focused on comprehensive assessment.

Inspect closely

Uses a more formal verb implying detailed observation and assessment.

Scrutinize attentively

Employs a more critical verb and an adverb highlighting focused attention.

Check meticulously

Replaces "look over" with a verb indicating verification and "carefully" with an adverb emphasizing precision.

Assess comprehensively

Substitutes verbs for broader evaluation and adverbs for overall assessment.

Go over with attention to detail

Rephrases the instruction with a more descriptive and detailed approach.

Give a thorough examination

Transforms the phrase into a noun-based expression emphasizing the act of examining.

Study in detail

Replaces "look over" with a verb indicating focused learning and "carefully" with a prepositional phrase emphasizing detail.

Analyze with precision

Uses a more analytical verb and an adverb emphasizing accuracy and exactness.

FAQs

What does "look over carefully" mean?

"Look over carefully" means to examine something thoroughly and with great attention to detail, ensuring nothing is missed or overlooked.

When is it appropriate to use "look over carefully"?

It's appropriate to use "look over carefully" when you need to emphasize the importance of a detailed and thorough examination, such as when reviewing important documents, inspecting equipment, or analyzing data.

What are some alternatives to "look over carefully"?

Alternatives include "examine meticulously", "review thoroughly", or "inspect closely". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

How does "look over carefully" differ from a simple "look"?

"Look" implies a general observation, while "look over carefully" suggests a deliberate and detailed examination with the intention of finding specific information or ensuring accuracy.