by looking at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'by looking at' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that one is examining something visually. For example: "I was able to determine the quality of the material by looking at it closely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Begin by looking at the photograph above.

The New York Times

"Not by looking at pottery.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Let's start by looking at the @.

The New York Times - Arts

You can't tell by looking at it.

Princeton University

The chapter starts by looking at railway traffic volume.

Principles of Railway Location and Design

"You communicate by looking at each other.

The New York Times

Start by looking at your CV.

The Guardian

You can tell by looking at them.

The New York Times - Magazine

And by looking at human rights legislation.

The Guardian

You cannot tell by looking at them.

The New York Times

By looking at the avenues of extradition.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by looking at" to introduce a specific aspect or element that will be examined or analyzed. This provides a clear starting point for your observation or investigation.

Common error

Avoid using "by looking at" as a filler phrase without a clear object of examination. Always specify what is being observed to maintain clarity and purpose in your writing. For example, instead of saying "By looking at things...", specify "By looking at the data..." or "By looking at the evidence..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by looking at" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a method of observation or analysis. It describes how something is being assessed, indicating that visual examination is the primary means of gaining information. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

30%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by looking at" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to introduce a method of visual examination or analysis. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts. Its frequency, as indicated by Ludwig, demonstrates its common application in news, science, and general writing. While adaptable to different registers, it's crucial to ensure its clarity and avoid vagueness in writing. Remember to specify exactly what is being observed to enhance precision. Consider alternatives such as "examining", "observing", or "analyzing" to add variety to your expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

examining

Focuses on a detailed inspection or investigation.

inspecting

Conveys a careful and critical examination.

observing

Highlights the act of watching and noticing details.

analyzing

Suggests a deeper, more structured investigation.

reviewing

Suggests a formal or official examination.

upon examination of

More formal and emphasizes a thorough inspection.

studying

Emphasizes a focused and detailed learning process.

assessing

Implies evaluating the value or importance of something.

considering

Implies a more thoughtful evaluation rather than just a visual assessment.

perusing

Implies reading or examining something quickly or casually.

FAQs

How can I use "by looking at" in a sentence?

Use "by looking at" to indicate that you are making an observation or analysis based on visual examination. For instance, "We can determine the age of the tree "by looking at" its rings".

What can I say instead of "by looking at"?

You can use alternatives like "examining", "observing", or "analyzing" depending on the specific context.

Is there a more formal way to say "by looking at"?

Yes, you could use phrases such as "upon examination of" or "through an analysis of" to convey a more formal tone.

When is it appropriate to use "by looking at" in writing?

"By looking at" is suitable when you want to emphasize the visual aspect of an observation or analysis. It is appropriate in various contexts, from scientific reports to casual observations.