look down

USAGE SUMMARY

"look down" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to suggest that someone is looking at something beneath them. For example: "Jack looked down and saw a small dog in the street below."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Look down there.

The New York Times

They look down.

The New York Times

I look down.

The Economist

You look down.

The New York Times

Look down below also.

Yale University

She didn't even look down.

The New Yorker

"Look down, and don't talk.

The New York Times

They'll look down on you".

The New York Times - Food

And you don't look down.

The New York Times

And I can't look down".

The New Yorker

Cats look down on us.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In descriptive writing, use "look down" to establish a character's perspective, especially when they are in a high place or feeling superior.

Common error

Avoid using "look down" when you mean to express general sadness or introspection; instead, opt for phrases like "reflect" or "contemplate". "Look down" is best reserved for instances where there's a literal downward gaze.

Linguistic Context

Look down functions primarily as a phrasal verb. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the physical act of directing one's gaze downward, or it can idiomatically mean to regard someone or something with contempt. Many examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "look down" is a versatile phrasal verb primarily used to describe the act of directing one's gaze downwards or, figuratively, to express contempt or condescension. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, from news media to academic writing, solidify its place in the English language. When used literally, it helps guide or orient; figuratively, it reveals attitudes of superiority. While generally neutral in register, careful attention to context is crucial to avoid misinterpretations. Always consider the intent: are you guiding someone's eyes or conveying an opinion?

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gaze downwards

Focuses solely on the direction of sight, eliminating any implied action or purpose beyond the act of looking.

cast your eyes down

Emphasizes a deliberate lowering of the gaze, often suggesting humility or submissiveness.

lower your gaze

Directly instructs to reduce the height of one's sightline, applicable in contexts of respect or avoidance.

peering below

Suggests a careful or inquisitive examination of something situated beneath one's position.

glancing downward

Implies a quick, brief observation of something located in a lower position.

viewing beneath

Highlights the act of observing something from a superior vantage point.

be condescending towards

Shifts the meaning to treating someone as inferior.

regard with disdain

Focuses on the act of viewing something with contempt or scorn.

have a low opinion of

Indicates a negative assessment or judgment of someone or something.

scornful attitude

Highlights an attitude of contempt and derision.

FAQs

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

You can use "look down" to describe the act of directing your gaze downwards, as in, "I "look down" and saw a coin on the sidewalk". It can also mean to regard someone with contempt, such as, "They "look down" on those less fortunate".

What does it mean to "look down" on someone?

To "look down" on someone means to consider them inferior or less worthy. It implies a sense of superiority and disdain.

What can I say instead of "look down" when giving directions?

Instead of ""look down"", you can say "check below", "see at your feet", or "notice the ground level area" to guide someone's attention to something below.

Is it always negative to "look down" on something?

While ""look down"" often carries a negative connotation when referring to people (implying disdain), it is neutral when simply describing a physical action, such as ""look down" to tie your shoes".