look critically at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "look critically at" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to introduce something that requires a deeper or more focused examination or evaluation. For example: "Let's look critically at our current approach to the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

John Higgins, the director general of DigitalEurope, which represents companies including Apple, Microsoft and I.B.M., criticized the measure and urged member states to look critically at it.

The New York Times

Rather, physicians can and should be educated to enable their patients to look critically at the information available about medical tourism providers and to ask critical questions before deciding whether to access care abroad [ 21- 23].

BMC Medical Ethics

These physicians can and should be educated to enable their patients to look critically at the information available about medical tourism providers and to ask critical questions of patients deciding to access care abroad.

BMC Medical Ethics

Look critically at someone's god and gird for the lightning.

The New York Times

"You have to take on board statutory requirements, but look critically at the rest of it.

The Guardian

In this spirit, we must also look critically at the injustice of colonialism and slavery".

The New York Times

Then "use that information to look critically at your human resources and business strategies.

Harvard Business Review

We also look critically at the concept, outlining its shortfalls and the possible problems it calls.

Columbia University

As the 9/11 commission reports, Congressional oversight has also failed by neglecting to look critically at the unfolding disaster.

The New York Times

"I just hope it will engender conversation and make people look critically at what's in front of them".

The Guardian

David Grigg, headteacher at Lord Lawson of Beamish school, Gateshead, "will look critically at anything with less than 10 students".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "look critically at" to encourage a detailed and analytical examination of a subject. It's effective when you want to prompt careful evaluation rather than simple acceptance.

Common error

Avoid pairing "look critically at" with overly general subjects. Instead of saying, "look critically at the situation", specify which aspects of the situation should be analyzed. For example, "look critically at the financial implications of the new policy" is more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look critically at" functions as a directive verb phrase that calls for a careful, analytical, and evaluative examination of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s usable in various contexts. It's used to introduce a need for deeper investigation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

23%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "look critically at" serves as an invitation to delve deeper into a subject with analytical rigor. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread usability across various domains. As the examples from Ludwig show, it's frequently used in news, science, and academic contexts, highlighting its versatility. The phrase encourages detailed scrutiny and objective evaluation, making it a valuable tool for clear and effective communication. Avoiding vague language and focusing on specific aspects can further enhance its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

examine closely

Emphasizes a detailed inspection, focusing on specifics rather than overall evaluation.

analyze carefully

Highlights the process of breaking down information to understand its components and their relationships.

scrutinize thoroughly

Implies a rigorous and comprehensive review, often suggesting a search for flaws or discrepancies.

evaluate objectively

Stresses impartiality and fairness in assessing the merits and demerits of something.

assess impartially

Similar to evaluating objectively, focusing on removing personal bias.

investigate methodically

Highlights a structured and systematic approach to understanding a subject.

consider thoughtfully

Emphasizes careful reflection and deliberation before forming an opinion.

appraise judiciously

Suggests using sound judgment and wisdom in evaluating something.

deconstruct analytically

Focuses on breaking down a concept or idea to reveal its underlying assumptions and biases.

ponder deeply

Implies a prolonged and introspective consideration of a subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "look critically at" to suggest a detailed and analytical examination, as in "We need to "look critically at" the data before drawing conclusions".

What does it mean to "look critically at" something?

To "look critically at" something means to examine it carefully and analytically, paying attention to detail and potential flaws or biases.

What are some alternatives to "look critically at"?

Some alternatives include "examine closely", "analyze carefully", or "scrutinize thoroughly".

Is it always necessary to "look critically at" things?

While not always necessary, ""look critically at"" is crucial when making important decisions, evaluating evidence, or assessing the validity of claims.