after looking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "after looking" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used as a dependent clause to indicate a sequence of events or actions. Here is an example sentence: "After looking at all the options, she decided to buy the red dress." In this sentence, "after looking" is used to show that the decision to buy the red dress came after the act of looking at different options.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And, after looking, to step ahead freely.

The New Yorker

After looking closely, I finally spotted a beautiful snail!

University of California, Berkeley

"I should have practiced, I think, after looking at it".

The New York Times - Sports

People reported having better moods after looking at the exhibit.

The Washington Post

After looking it up online, Patterson started riffing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Smith and Wesson," he said after looking at the nameplate.

The New York Times

After looking at other books like ours, a pattern emerged.

The Guardian - Opinion

But after looking more carefully, he found it oddly captivating.

The New York Times - Arts

After looking through a book called "File on Bolitho Blaine".

The New Yorker

Mr. Veltri called the police after looking into the envelopes.

The New York Times

"He said yes after looking at the mock-up".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "after looking", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what was looked at and the subsequent action. For example, "After looking at the data, we made a decision."

Common error

Avoid using "after looking" without specifying what was looked at. This can lead to ambiguity. Always provide the object of observation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "after looking" functions as a prepositional phrase or a dependent clause, introducing a sequence of actions. It sets a temporal relationship, indicating that the action described in the main clause happens subsequent to the act of looking. Ludwig confirms its correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "after looking" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase or dependent clause. According to Ludwig, it is used to establish a temporal relationship between an act of observation and a subsequent action. It is suitable for a neutral register and is commonly found in News & Media and Academia. To ensure clarity, always specify what was looked at. Consider alternatives like "upon seeing" or "after examining" for nuanced meaning. This phrase provides a clear sequence of actions and is a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after examining

Highlights a more thorough and detailed observation.

on closer inspection

Indicates that something was not initially apparent but became clear after a more careful look.

upon seeing

Focuses on the moment of visual perception rather than a more extended observation period.

once viewed

Highlights the act of viewing as a prerequisite for the next step.

having observed

Emphasizes the completion of the observation before the subsequent action.

following a review

Implies a structured assessment or evaluation.

subsequent to inspection

More formal and emphasizes a careful or official examination.

with observation

Highlights the act of observing that is followed by a reaction.

once scrutinized

Suggests a very detailed and critical examination.

post-viewing

A more concise, modern term indicating something that happens after viewing.

FAQs

How can I use "after looking" in a sentence?

Use "after looking" to indicate that an action occurred subsequent to observing something. For example, "After looking at the map, we knew where to go."

What can I say instead of "after looking"?

You can use alternatives like "upon seeing", "after examining", or "following a review" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "after looking at"?

Yes, "after looking at" is grammatically correct and commonly used to specify what was observed. For example, "After looking at the evidence, the jury reached a verdict."

What's the difference between "after looking" and "before looking"?

"After looking" indicates that the observation precedes the action, while "before looking" implies that the observation follows the action. For example, "After looking at the menu, I ordered food" versus "Before looking at the menu, I wasn't hungry".