look carefully

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "look carefully" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used as an imperative sentence, giving someone a command or instruction to observe or examine something closely. Example: "Before signing the contract, make sure to look carefully at all the terms and conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Look carefully around you.

The New Yorker

Look carefully, please.

The New Yorker

Look carefully at all such expressions.

The New York Times

But look carefully and they're everywhere.

MIT Technology Review

But look carefully and it's there.

Nature

When they're both ready, I look carefully.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You can never look carefully enough.

The New York Times

Look carefully at the different categories.

The Guardian

Ramesh: Let's look carefully at some figures.

The Guardian

Indeed, if you look carefully, it was.

The Guardian - Opinion

"But if you look carefully, you can see something behind.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "look carefully" when you want to emphasize the importance of detail and thoroughness in observation.

Common error

Don't just tell someone to "look carefully" without providing context or guidance on what specific aspects to focus on. Be specific to ensure effective observation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look carefully" primarily functions as an imperative, giving a direct command or instruction to someone. As Ludwig AI indicates, this usage is grammatically correct and common. The examples provided demonstrate its use in various contexts to emphasize the need for detailed observation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

29%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "look carefully" is a grammatically correct and very common imperative phrase used to instruct or advise someone to pay close attention to detail. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as in wikis and scientific writings. The phrase encourages thoroughness and accuracy in observation, preventing potential errors or omissions. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to provide specific context when using "look carefully" to ensure effective observation. Related phrases such as "examine closely" or "observe attentively" can be used as alternatives depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

examine closely

This alternative places more emphasis on a detailed inspection.

observe attentively

This emphasizes the act of watching with focused attention.

scrutinize thoroughly

This suggests a more critical and in-depth investigation.

pay close attention

This emphasizes the act of giving importance to observation.

check meticulously

This emphasizes the need for thoroughness and precision.

investigate thoroughly

This suggests a more formal or systematic examination.

give a thorough inspection

This emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the examination.

study in detail

This emphasizes the aspect of deeply analyzing something.

take a closer look

This is a more literal and direct alternative.

consider attentively

This focuses on giving thoughtful attention to something.

FAQs

How can I use "look carefully" in a sentence?

You can use "look carefully" to instruct someone to pay close attention to details, such as: "Before signing any documents, "look carefully" at all the clauses".

What are some alternatives to "look carefully"?

Alternatives to "look carefully" include "examine closely", "observe attentively", or "scrutinize thoroughly". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "look carefully" and "look closely"?

While similar, "look carefully" emphasizes the importance of being cautious and thorough in your observation, whereas "look closely" simply means to observe something near or with focus. Both phrases can often be used interchangeably, but "look carefully" may suggest a more deliberate examination.

When is it appropriate to use "look carefully" in writing?

"Look carefully" is appropriate in situations where attention to detail is crucial, such as instructions, warnings, or when analyzing complex information. For example, "Look carefully at the data to identify any trends".