look for that

USAGE SUMMARY

"look for that" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when someone is asking you to search for something or when you are giving someone instructions on how to find something. For example, "Make sure you look for that book in the back corner of the library."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Look for that seem to skip numbers and letters.

WikiHow

If the person was carrying an avalanche cord, look for that.

WikiHow

If you can't remember look for pants or if they have a hat look for that.

WikiHow

Look for that move".

The New Yorker

Look for that to continue.

The New York Times

"Just look for that".

The New York Times - Sports

Look for that trend to intensify this year.

The New York Times

And we should look for that everywhere.

The Guardian

It's important to look for that.

The Guardian - Money

So I naturally look for that.

The Guardian - Business

You look for that in programs".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "look for that" when you want to direct someone's attention to a specific detail or item within a larger context. For example, "When reviewing the report, look for that discrepancy in the budget."

Common error

Avoid using "look for that" without a clear indication of what "that" refers to. Ensure the context makes it obvious what the reader or listener should be searching for to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look for that" functions primarily as an imperative, directing someone to search or seek something specific. Ludwig's examples show it used in contexts ranging from everyday instructions to more formal directives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

55%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "look for that" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to instruct someone to search or find something specific. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its usage across various contexts, particularly in news media and instructional content. While versatile, it's important to ensure a clear referent for "that" to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "search for that" or "seek that out" for a more formal tone. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "look for that" in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

search for that

Replaces "look" with "search", emphasizing the act of seeking something.

find that

Uses "find" instead of "look for", focusing on the discovery aspect.

seek that out

Adds emphasis to the search, suggesting a more proactive effort.

try to find that

Adds a sense of effort or attempt to the search.

be on the lookout for that

Suggests vigilance and anticipation in finding something.

keep an eye out for that

Implies watching carefully for something to appear.

watch for that

Focuses on observing and waiting for something to happen or appear.

attempt to locate that

More formal alternative, suggesting a deliberate search.

investigate that

Suggests a thorough examination to find something.

be aware of that

Highlights the need to be conscious and informed about something.

FAQs

How can I use "look for that" in a sentence?

You can use "look for that" to instruct someone to find something specific. For example, "If you go to the store, "look for that" brand of coffee I like."

What's a more formal way to say "look for that"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "search for that", "seek that out", or "attempt to locate that".

Is "look for it" the same as "look for that"?

While similar, "look for it" is generally used when referring to something previously mentioned or understood in the immediate context. "Look for that" can refer to something less immediately apparent but still identifiable.

What's the difference between "look at that" and ""look for that""?

"Look at that" directs someone's attention to something visible, while ""look for that"" instructs someone to search or find something, which may not be immediately visible.