look at that

USAGE SUMMARY

"look at that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to draw attention to something, particularly when speaking directly to someone. For example, "Look at that amazing sunset! How beautiful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'll look at that.

The New Yorker

And look at that.

The New Yorker

Oh, look at that.

The New Yorker

Would you look at that.

The New York Times

Let's look at that.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We will look at that.

BBC

You've got to look at that.

BBC

So, VCs sort of look at that.

Forbes

"It's scary to look at that.

Los Angeles Times

"Look at that.

The New Yorker

People do look at that.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "look at that" to create a sense of immediacy and shared experience with your audience. It's effective for emphasizing a point or highlighting something noteworthy.

Common error

Avoid using "look at that" in highly formal or academic writing. It's generally better suited for conversational or descriptive contexts where a direct, attention-grabbing approach is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look at that" functions as an interjection or exclamation, used to direct someone's attention to something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used to highlight something noteworthy. Examples show it used to express surprise, admiration, or to simply point out something of interest.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "look at that" is a versatile phrase used to direct attention and share observations. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. While generally appropriate for neutral to informal contexts, it should be used sparingly in formal or academic writing. Remember to consider your audience and the tone of your writing when deciding whether to use this phrase. Its high frequency in news and media, as seen in Ludwig's examples, demonstrates its effectiveness in engaging readers and listeners. When seeking alternatives, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, opting for phrases like "check that out" for casual settings or "observe that" for more formal ones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

check that out

Replaces "look" with a more casual synonym, maintaining the intent of drawing attention.

take a look at that

Adds a call to action, emphasizing the need to observe something.

have a look at that

Similar to "take a look", but with a slightly more British English feel.

feast your eyes on that

More dramatic and emphatic, implying something impressive or delightful.

get a load of that

More informal and often used to express surprise or disbelief.

behold

A more archaic and formal way to direct attention, often used for dramatic effect.

notice that

A more neutral way to point out something, without necessarily implying surprise or excitement.

observe that

Similar to 'notice that' but more formal and analytical.

pay attention to that

Directs focus with an implication of importance.

see for yourself

Encourages independent observation, often to verify something.

FAQs

How can I use "look at that" in a sentence?

Use "look at that" to draw someone's attention to something you find interesting or noteworthy. For example, "Look at that, a double rainbow!" or "Look at that incredible play by the striker!"

What are some alternatives to "look at that"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "check that out", "take a look at that", or "notice that".

Is "look at that" considered formal or informal?

"Look at that" is generally considered informal and is best suited for casual conversations or less formal writing. In more formal settings, consider using phrases like "observe that" or "note that".

Can "look at that" be used in academic writing?

While possible, using "look at that" is rare in academic writing. Its informal nature doesn't typically align with the objective and detached tone preferred in academic discourse. Consider more formal alternatives to maintain the appropriate register.