look at the screen

USAGE SUMMARY

'Look at the screen' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in situations where you are telling someone to direct their attention to an electronic display or monitor. For example: "Look at the screen - the presentation is about to begin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

No need to look at the screen.

The New York Times

He took one look at the screen — and screamed.

The New York Times

You will look at the screen and know yourself.

The New York Times

When the interviewer is talking you can look at the screen.

Columbia University

(Most S.L.R.'s require you to look at the screen on the back to shoot video).

The New York Times - Tech

When children look at the screen, a Muppet character appears to emerge from the bandage.

The New York Times

That will enable drivers to control Siri without being tempted to look at the screen.

The Guardian - Tech

Leah was not to look at the screen or listen to any of the dialogue.

The New Yorker

When she needs a creative jolt, "I just look at the screen," she said.

The New York Times

She returned for an ultrasound, and though planning not to look at the screen, when a clinician offered, she agreed.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"We tried nobody-look-at-the-screen before, and that didn't work," Jeter said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "look at the screen" when giving direct instructions, especially in settings like presentations, tutorials, or when guiding someone through a process.

Common error

Avoid using "look at the screen" excessively in descriptive or narrative writing. Opt for more evocative language that describes what characters see or how they react to the screen's content to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look at the screen" functions primarily as an imperative, directing someone to visually attend to a screen. This is evident from Ludwig, where the phrase is used to give instructions or commands in various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms it's a common and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

15%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "look at the screen" serves as a direct imperative to focus one's vision on a display, commonly used for instructions, guidance, or shared viewing experiences. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts, although overuse in narrative writing should be avoided. While generally neutral in register, it can be adapted for more formal settings with alternatives like "direct your attention to the display". Predominantly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science sources, "look at the screen" remains a ubiquitous and immediately understandable way to command visual attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a look at the monitor

Adds 'take a look' to soften the direct command, making it a suggestion.

direct your attention to the screen

Replaces the more informal 'look' with 'direct your attention', adding a touch of formality.

focus on the display

Emphasizes concentrating on what's shown, rather than merely glancing.

observe the monitor

Uses 'observe' to suggest a more careful or analytical viewing.

keep your eyes on the screen

Emphasizes maintaining focus and attention on the screen's content.

check the screen

Implies verifying something is displayed correctly or expected.

view the display

A more formal and technical term for looking at a screen.

turn your eyes to the screen

A more descriptive and literal instruction.

see what's on the screen

Focuses on understanding the content of the screen.

glance at the screen

Suggests a quick or brief look, rather than sustained attention.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "look at the screen" to sound more polite?

You can use phrases like "take a look at the screen" or "could you check the screen" to soften the command.

What's a more formal alternative to "look at the screen"?

In professional or academic contexts, consider using phrases like "direct your attention to the display" or "observe the monitor".

When is it appropriate to use "look at the screen"?

"Look at the screen" is suitable for direct instructions, especially during presentations, tutorials, or when providing guidance. However, it might be too direct in other situations.

What's the difference between "look at the screen" and "check the screen"?

"Look at the screen" simply directs attention, while "check the screen" implies verifying something specific, such as data accuracy or correct display.