look in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'look in' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase 'look in' to describe searching inside an object, or to describe someone paying a visit, or to describe a situation where somebody is looking into something. Example Sentence: I'll look in on the project and see how it's going.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Look in your pool".

The New Yorker

Look in his eyes.

The New York Times - Books

Look in at the gym.

The New Yorker

Lance said, "Look in back".

The New Yorker

… Now look in the mirror!

The New York Times

I look in the mirror.

Independent

Seriously, look in the mirror.

The New Yorker

The Look: In the Navy.

The New York Times

They look in their hats.

The Economist

"Look in here," she said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Look in-house.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "look in" when you want to suggest a quick check or investigation, rather than a deep analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "look in" in formal reports or academic papers where a more rigorous term like "investigate" or "examine" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "look in" is that of a phrasal verb functioning as a prepositional phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts, indicating its role in describing actions involving searching, visiting, or investigating.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "look in" is a versatile phrasal verb used to denote a brief examination, a quick visit, or a superficial investigation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable, as further supported by the numerous examples gathered. Predominantly found in Wiki and News & Media contexts, it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for a wide range of communicative purposes. Remember to use "look in" for quick checks or visits, and opt for more formal terms like "investigate" or "examine" in academic or professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

check into

Suggests a brief examination or inquiry.

investigate

Implies a more formal or thorough examination than "look in".

scan

Implies quickly looking over something.

examine

Denotes a more detailed and careful inspection.

inspect

Implies a formal or official examination.

drop by

Refers to a casual visit, differing from the investigative sense of "look in".

browse

Refers to casually looking through something.

delve into

Signifies a deeper, more thorough exploration.

peruse

Implies reading or examining something carefully.

consider

Suggests thinking about something, rather than physically looking.

FAQs

What does "look in" mean?

"Look in" can mean to examine something quickly, to visit someone briefly, or to investigate something superficially.

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

You can say, "I'll "look in on" the project later today" or "Look in the drawer for the missing keys".

What's the difference between "look in" and "look into"?

"Look in" generally implies a quick check, while "look into" suggests a more detailed investigation.

What are some alternatives to "look in"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "check", "inspect", or "visit".