a look over

USAGE SUMMARY

"a look over" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to the action of briefly examining or checking something. Example: Before submitting your essay, make sure to give it a final look over for any typos or errors.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

"We've put a proposal together for his agent to have a look over," Ling said.

BBC

Hey Eli, take a look over your shoulder this time.

The New York Times

"What?" She sneaks a look over her right shoulder.

The New Yorker

"Fish," she said, swiveling to give him a look over her shoulder.

The New Yorker

Taking a look over his shoulder, Nozell gives me a nudge and says: "A quick peek.

The Guardian - Music

Have a look over the horizon and a whole world of low-cost flying awaits.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

March * "ABBEY LINCOLN: OVER THE YEARS" Rarely does a single living artist get this complete a look-over in performance.

The New York Times - Arts

But occasionally, before committing to a word, you like to stop and commune with it, give it a look-over and see what the dictionary has to say about it.

The New York Times

I never had a looking-over-my-shoulder feeling there, even at night".

The New York Times

He says that based on the type of visa that is being applied for, the price can be between $5,000 and $10,000, which includes not just using Teleborder's software platform, but also a look-over by immigration lawyers for a final check.

TechCrunch

In reality, the entire process consisted of Marge and Kang sitting on a couch, Kang quoting terrible pick-up lines only to suddenly pull a "look-over-there" and use a ray which impregnates Marge as she looks.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use it to suggest a brief or quick assessment rather than a comprehensive analysis.

Common error

Avoid relying on "a look over" in formal or academic writing where more precise terms like "review", "analysis", or "assessment" might be more appropriate to convey the depth and rigor of the examination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a look over" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb (e.g., "give it a look over"). Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. It signifies the act of briefly examining something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a look over" is a commonly used phrase that serves as a noun phrase, indicating a quick examination or review. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and it is prevalent in News & Media and Wiki contexts. For formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "review" or "assessment". Use it to request or offer a brief assessment. The phrase is suitable for neutral to informal registers, making it versatile for various communication needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a quick review

Emphasizes the speed and brevity of the examination.

a brief inspection

Focuses on the act of examining something carefully but concisely.

a cursory glance

Highlights the superficial nature of the examination.

a once-over

Suggests a single, comprehensive check.

a checkup

Implies a routine or regular examination, often for maintenance or health.

a scan

Indicates a rapid and broad examination.

a perusal

Suggests a more thorough and careful reading or examination.

an overview

Focuses on providing a general summary or outline.

a second opinion

Highlights getting another evaluation.

a consultation

Implies seeking expert advice or examination.

FAQs

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

You can use "a look over" to indicate a quick examination or review, like in the sentence "Could you give this document "a look over" before I submit it?"

What's a good alternative to "a look over" for formal writing?

In formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives such as "review", "assessment", or "analysis" depending on the level of detail and scrutiny involved.

Is it always necessary to include "a" before "look over"?

While "look over" can be used as a verb phrase, using "a look over" as a noun phrase is also correct and common. The choice depends on the sentence structure and intended meaning.

What's the difference between "a glance" and "a look over"?

While both suggest a quick viewing, "a glance" implies an even briefer and less detailed observation compared to ""a look over"", which suggests slightly more attention and scrutiny.