look it up

USAGE SUMMARY

"look it up" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest to someone that they should research a topic or find a piece of information. For example, "I'm not sure what the capital of England is - look it up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

" 'Castanets,' look it up".

The New Yorker

(You could look it up).

The New York Times

"Look it up," he said.

The New York Times - Books

Look it up on YouTube.

The New York Times - Sports

"You look it up!

The Guardian

Look it up, idiot.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

She looked it up later.

The New York Times

I looked it up later.

The New Yorker

Writer looks it up and quotes it.

The New Yorker

He looked it up on his phone.

The New York Times - Tech

She looked it up on the screen.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "look it up" when you want to suggest a quick and easy way to find information on a specific topic. For example, if someone is unsure of a definition, advising them to "look it up" is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "look it up" in contexts where a more collaborative or helpful tone is needed. Suggesting someone "look it up" can sometimes come across as dismissive or unhelpful, especially if they've already expressed difficulty finding the information themselves. Instead, offer to help them find it or provide a direct answer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look it up" functions primarily as an imperative verb phrase. It is used to give a direct command or instruction to someone, advising them to find information on a particular topic using a reference source or search. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and suitable for written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "look it up" is a common and grammatically sound imperative phrase used to instruct someone to find information independently. As Ludwig AI points out, it’s suitable for written English and commonly found across various sources, particularly in news and media. While effective, it’s essential to consider the tone and context, opting for more polite alternatives in formal or collaborative settings. The best practice is to use it for quick, easily searchable information, while avoiding it when a more supportive or helpful approach is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

research it

Implies a more thorough investigation than a quick search.

investigate it

Suggests a more formal or in-depth inquiry.

check it out

More casual and can refer to exploring something in general, not just finding information.

find information on it

More descriptive and less direct than "look it up".

consult a reference

Implies using a specific resource like a book or expert.

search online

Specifies the method of searching, limiting it to the internet.

do some research

Suggests a broader and possibly longer process of gathering information.

seek information

More formal and general; doesn't specify how to find the information.

browse for information

Suggests casually searching for general information on a topic.

refer to

Implies checking a source for specific details about a topic.

FAQs

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

Use "look it up" as an imperative when you want someone to find information themselves. For example: "If you don't know the definition, "look it up" in the dictionary."

What's a more polite alternative to "look it up"?

If you want to be more polite, you could say, "You might want to "research it"" or "You can "find information on it" online."

Is it appropriate to use "look it up" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "look it up" is generally more suitable for informal conversation. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "investigate it further" or "consult a reference".

What can I say instead of "look it up" if I want to offer help?

Instead of saying ""look it up"", you could offer assistance by saying "I can help you find that information" or "Let's "check it out" together".