look hard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "look hard" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when encouraging someone to search or examine something thoroughly. Example: "If you look hard enough, you might find the answer." Alternative expressions include "search diligently" and "examine closely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Science

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Look hard.

The Guardian - Books

"I didn't look hard enough".

The New York Times

We didn't look hard enough.

The New Yorker

So look hard.

The New York Times

We look hard".

The Guardian

"We'll look hard.

The New York Times

It pays to look hard.

The New York Times - Travel

"Look hard," Mr. Tierney said.

The New York Times

Look hard at the eyes.

The Guardian

You will have to look hard".

The New Yorker

It will have to look hard.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative writing, you can use the phrase to describe both an internal search (looking hard at one's choices) and a physical one (looking hard into the distance).

Common error

Avoid using "hardly" when you mean with intensity. Saying "He looked hardly at the evidence" implies he barely looked at it at all, which is the opposite of the intended meaning of "look hard".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look hard" primarily functions as an imperative or a descriptive verb phrase where the adverb "hard" modifies the verb "look" to indicate intensity, effort, or thoroughness. According to Ludwig, it is most frequently used to suggest that a truth or object is not immediately obvious and requires persistence to be found.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Opinion & Editorial

12%

Lifestyle

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Academic

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "look hard" is a robust and versatile phrase used extensively across high-quality English publications. Ludwig AI shows that it is primarily employed to denote a high level of effort, scrutiny, or concentration in either a literal or metaphorical sense. While it carries a neutral register that makes it suitable for both journalism and casual prose, its effectiveness lies in its ability to suggest that persistence will lead to discovery. Writers should be careful not to confuse the adverbial use of "hard" with "hardly", as the latter denotes a lack of effort. Overall, the phrase serves as a powerful call to action for deeper observation and analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

examine closely

Shifts the focus to a more analytical or technical inspection

scrutinize

Implies a much more critical and minute level of observation

look carefully

A gentler alternative focusing on caution and detail rather than intensity

search diligently

Emphasizes the persistent effort and care taken during a search

peer intently

Specifically describes the physical act of looking with great concentration

study carefully

Suggests a prolonged period of observation to gain understanding

investigate thoroughly

A more formal and systematic approach to finding information

stare hard

Focuses on the fixated and unblinking nature of the gaze

search high and low

An idiomatic way to describe an exhaustive search across all locations

look tough

Commonly used when referring to a physical appearance of being confrontational

FAQs

How do I use "look hard" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe an intensive search, such as "You have to "look hard to find" the best deals in this market."

What can I say instead of "look hard"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "scrutinize", "examine closely", or "search diligently".

Is it "look hard" or "look hardly"?

It is almost always "look hard" when you mean with great effort. "Look hardly" is rare and would mean to look in a way that is barely noticeable or infrequent.

What is the difference between "look hard" and "look tough"?

While both can describe physical appearance, "look tough" usually refers to appearing strong or aggressive, whereas "look hard" more often refers to the intensity of the gaze or the effort of searching.