look carefully at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "look carefully at" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to examine something with attention and focus. Example: "Before making a decision, please look carefully at all the available options."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Look carefully at all such expressions.

The New York Times

Look carefully at the different categories.

The Guardian

Ramesh: Let's look carefully at some figures.

The Guardian

I look carefully at what I'm buying and shop around.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Now we look carefully at the business model".

The New York Times

If you look carefully at the label's history, though, strange resonances do crop up.

Independent

"Deals will come, but at least initially, investors are likely to look carefully at pricing".

The New York Times

Look carefully at the English and you may catch a glimpse of a unique expression.

The New York Times

Borough leaders need to look carefully at the facts and work together to respond.

Independent

Though ever since he made his announcement I've begun to look carefully at women.

The New Yorker

Look carefully at what makes the Right so angry about the European Court in Strasbourg.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to perform a task that requires precision, use "look carefully at" to emphasize the need for focused attention. For example, "Look carefully at the instructions before assembling the device."

Common error

Don't use "look carefully at" when a quick glance is sufficient. Reserve it for situations where a detailed and thorough examination is necessary to avoid misinterpretation or errors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look carefully at" functions primarily as an imperative, directing someone to perform a specific action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase. It combines a verb ("look") with an adverb ("carefully") and a preposition ("at") to modify the verb's action. Many examples in Ludwig show how it is used to instruct someone to examine something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

37%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "look carefully at" is a grammatically correct and highly versatile phrase used to instruct someone to examine something with attention to detail. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It's prevalent in various contexts, including news, media, and instructional guides. To enhance your writing, remember to use "look carefully at" when precision is crucial, and avoid it when a quick glance suffices. Alternatives like ""examine closely"" and ""observe attentively"" can be used to add nuance. With its neutral register and clear communicative purpose, "look carefully at" remains a valuable addition to any writer's toolbox.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

examine closely

Focuses on a detailed and thorough inspection, emphasizing the act of scrutinizing the subject.

observe attentively

Highlights the act of watching with a keen and focused mind, paying attention to details.

scrutinize thoroughly

Suggests a critical and exhaustive examination, often implying a search for flaws or errors.

inspect meticulously

Emphasizes a precise and detailed examination, focusing on accuracy and completeness.

give close consideration to

Shifts the focus to thoughtful evaluation and deliberation, rather than just visual inspection.

pay close attention to

Highlights the act of directing one's focus and awareness towards something specific.

study in detail

Suggests an in-depth analysis and investigation, often involving research and learning.

analyze thoroughly

Focuses on breaking down something into its components for a detailed examination and understanding.

investigate rigorously

Implies a systematic and thorough inquiry, often involving a formal or official process.

consider carefully

Emphasizes thoughtful deliberation and evaluation before making a decision or forming an opinion.

FAQs

What does "look carefully at" mean?

The phrase "look carefully at" means to examine something with close attention and scrutiny, paying attention to details in order to understand it thoroughly.

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

You can use "look carefully at" to instruct someone to examine something closely. For example: "Look carefully at the data before drawing conclusions."

What are some alternatives to "look carefully at"?

Alternatives 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 closely at" and "look carefully at"?

While similar, "look carefully at" emphasizes the need for caution and attention to detail, while "look closely at" simply stresses the need for a detailed examination. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight caution or thoroughness.