is looking at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is looking at" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is visually observing or examining something at the present moment. Example: "She is looking at the beautiful painting in the gallery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Costello is looking at himself.

The New Yorker

That's what Rahm Emanuel is looking at".

The New Yorker

Mr. Obama is looking at two horizons.

The New York Times

"Someone is looking at me still.

The New Yorker

The Fed is looking at it.

The New York Times

Now a museum is looking at him.

The New Yorker

"Now everybody is looking at me.

The New Yorker

"The city is looking at the conduct".

The New York Times

Baxter is looking at the ground.

The New Yorker

The West is looking at India.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Why is _____ looking at me that way?

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When precision is crucial, substitute "is looking at" with a more descriptive verb like "examining", "observing", or "scrutinizing" to better reflect the nature of the observation.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "is looking at" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "examining", "analyzing", or "investigating" to enhance the tone and convey precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is looking at" functions as a present continuous verb phrase, indicating an ongoing action of observing or examining something. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is looking at" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes the ongoing action of observing or examining something. According to Ludwig, the phrase is versatile and suitable for various contexts, although more precise alternatives might be preferred in formal writing. While the phrase maintains a neutral register, its high occurrence in News & Media indicates broad applicability. Be mindful of the subtle differences between "is looking at" and alternatives like "is observing" or "is examining" to ensure the most accurate expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is watching

A more general term for observing.

is observing

Focuses more on the action of watching something carefully.

is viewing

Suggests a more formal or deliberate act of watching.

is examining

Implies a more detailed and analytical form of looking.

is reviewing

Implies a formal assessment or evaluation.

is inspecting

Implies a close and careful examination, often for flaws.

is considering

Shifts the focus to the mental process of thinking about something.

is assessing

Focuses on evaluating the value or significance of something.

is scrutinizing

Suggests a critical and very detailed examination.

is contemplating

Emphasizes deep thought and reflection about something.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "is observing", "is examining", or "is considering" depending on the context.

How do I use "is looking at" in a sentence?

"Is looking at" is used to describe the action of someone observing or examining something. For example, "She is looking at the painting" or "The committee is looking at the proposal".

When is it appropriate to use "is looking at" instead of "is seeing"?

"Is looking at" implies a deliberate act of observation or examination, while "is seeing" simply means perceiving something with the eyes. Use "is looking at" when the subject is intentionally focusing their attention on something.

What's the difference between "is looking at" and "is glancing at"?

"Is looking at" suggests a sustained period of observation, while "is glancing at" implies a quick, brief look. If the observation is fleeting, "is glancing at" is the more appropriate choice.