look him up

USAGE SUMMARY

"look him up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when suggesting to look up information or research someone or something on the internet. For example, "I'm not sure who the author of that book is - you should look him up online."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Look him up on DontDateHimGirl.com.

The New York Times

"I'd look him up right away.

The New Yorker

And Roger did look him up".

The New York Times - Magazine

Look him up on Google, if you can bear it.

Independent

She rolled her eyes and said, "Look him up online".

The New York Times

"If I have a crush on a guy, I'll make my friends look him up for me," Ms. Gable said.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Pereda looked him up and down.

The New Yorker

Magdalena Gross snickers, looks him up and down.

The New Yorker

I tried looking him up in the phone book.

The New York Times - Style

She stood there, looking him up and down.

The New Yorker

So I looked him up on the Internet and asked him to write something for me".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When suggesting someone "look him up", specify the platform if relevant (e.g., "look him up on LinkedIn" or "look him up on Facebook") to guide the search.

Common error

Avoid using "look him up" when you mean to describe someone's physical appearance. Instead, use "look him over" or "assess him" for that context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look him up" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically a transitive one. It directs the listener to perform an action (looking up) on a specific object (him), implying a search for information. Ludwig examples show its common use in suggesting online searches or database inquiries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "look him up" is a common and straightforward way to suggest researching or finding information about someone, primarily through online searches. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and specify the platform if relevant. Alternative phrases like "search for him" or "check him out" can be used depending on the desired nuance, but be careful not to confuse it with describing someone's physical appearance. The phrase is frequently found in news media and general online content, indicating its broad applicability in different communication settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

search for him

Focuses on the act of finding information, often online.

find out about him

Emphasizes gathering information through various means.

research him

Suggests a more in-depth and formal investigation.

look into him

Implies a deeper inquiry or investigation.

check him out

Is a more casual way to suggest looking at someone's profile or work.

discover more about him

Highlights the intention of expanding one's knowledge.

investigate him

Implies a more thorough and potentially critical examination.

google him

Specifies using Google as the search method.

see what he's up to

Focuses on discovering his recent activities or current status.

get the lowdown on him

Seeks inside information or the real story about him.

FAQs

How do I use "look him up" in a sentence?

You can use "look him up" to suggest finding information about someone, for example, "If you don't know who the director is, "look him up" online."

What does "look him up" mean?

"Look him up" means to search for information about someone, usually on the internet or in a directory.

What can I say instead of "look him up"?

Alternatives include "search for him", "find out about him", or "check him out", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "look him up" in professional communication?

Yes, "look him up" is generally acceptable in professional communication, especially when suggesting someone research a person's background or qualifications. However, consider using a more formal phrase like "research him" if the context requires it.