look outward

USAGE SUMMARY

"look outward" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means to direct one's gaze or attention away from the self and towards the surrounding environment. Example: "In order to gain a deeper understanding of the world, it is important to look outward and observe the perspectives of others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Next, look outward.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

She tries to look outward.

The Guardian - Books

"But in Belgium, artists must look outward".

The New York Times - Arts

Look outward, not inward, Professor Prahalad urges.

The New York Times

State-capitalist powers inevitably look outward as well as inward.

The Economist

"We have to look outward to all of London.

The Guardian

Surely we want to expand and look outward?

The Guardian

It is harder to look outward at a time of retrenchment and shrinking opportunities.

The New York Times - Magazine

One mission is exploration – going to Mars, the moon, and sending exploration satellites that look outward.

The Guardian

In moments of crisis, libraries help us look inward, and they help us look outward.

The New Yorker

It is human nature to look outward with wonder and curiosity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about personal growth or self-improvement, use "look outward" to suggest the importance of considering others' experiences and perspectives.

Common error

Avoid using "look outward" as a way to dismiss the importance of self-reflection. While considering external factors is valuable, it shouldn't replace understanding one's own motivations and biases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look outward" functions primarily as an intransitive phrasal verb, directing attention away from oneself and towards the external world. Ludwig AI highlights examples where it signifies exploration, consideration of external factors, or adopting a broader perspective, aligning with the definition provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

24%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "look outward" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrasal verb that encourages a shift in focus towards external factors. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase serves to promote a broader perspective, prompting individuals and organizations to consider influences beyond their immediate sphere. Its versatile usage spans news, business, and academic contexts, reflecting its widespread applicability. While alternatives like "search outward" or "extend horizons" exist, understanding the nuances of "look outward" enables more effective and impactful communication. It's essential to remember that while exploring external factors is crucial, it should not overshadow the importance of self-reflection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

search outward

This alternative uses "search" instead of "look", suggesting a more active and intentional effort to find something beyond oneself.

look beyond

This alternative simplifies the phrase, focusing on the act of extending one's perspective past current limitations.

look overseas

This implies directing attention specifically to foreign countries or international matters.

gaze outward

Replaces "look" with "gaze", suggesting a more contemplative and prolonged observation.

extend horizons

This phrase shifts from literal looking to a more metaphorical sense of broadening one's understanding or experience.

broaden perspective

Focuses on the cognitive aspect of expanding one's viewpoint.

seek external input

Emphasizes the act of actively seeking information or opinions from outside sources.

consider the outside world

Highlights the act of thinking about the world beyond one's immediate environment.

take a global view

Suggests adopting a worldwide or international perspective.

think internationally

Focuses on adopting an international mindset and considering global issues.

FAQs

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

You can use "look outward" to suggest the importance of considering external factors. For example: "Businesses must "look outward" to understand changing consumer needs."

What can I say instead of "look outward"?

You can use alternatives like "search outward", "look beyond", or "extend horizons" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "look outward" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "look outward" when you want to emphasize the importance of considering external factors, such as industry trends, global perspectives, or other people's viewpoints, rather than focusing solely on internal matters.

What's the difference between "look outward" and "look inward"?

"Look outward" means to direct attention and focus on external factors or the environment, while "look inward" means to examine one's own thoughts, feelings, and motivations. They represent opposing directions of focus.