look something up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'look something up' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used when referring to searching for information in a reference book, online resource, or database. For example, "I need to look up the definition of 'ambivalent' in the dictionary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

It's too easy to just look something up on Google.

The Guardian - Film

IN SOUTH KOREA people who want to look something up on the internet don't "Google it".

The Economist

I pause to look something up, I puzzle over syntax I am still assimilating.

The New York Times

You know those times when you just can't be bothered to look something up on Google?

The New Yorker

One answer is that when you look something up, at least you get to learn something new.

The New York Times - Science

Plus, to look something up, one needs to know already what it is one wants to know.

The Guardian - Opinion

Having to look something up, or copy something from another message, while you're composing a message is not a rare occurrence, and this newly introduced rigamarole is an unnecessary step back.

The New York Times

I'd switch over to a browser window to look something up, but as soon as I did so all traces of my work would disappear from the screen and I'd forget about the task at hand.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

At one point, Mulder talks about looking something up on "the Net".

The New Yorker

There were a handful of times when I looked something up, or asked the opinion of someone more tech-savvy than I am, but for the most part this was just a process of pure speculative fiction.

The New York Times

Stop putting it away after you've looked something up.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "look something up", specify the source if relevant to provide context and credibility. For example, "look something up in a dictionary" or "look something up on a reliable website."

Common error

Avoid relying solely on quick online searches. Always cross-reference information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy and avoid superficial understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "look something up" functions as an active verb indicating the action of seeking information. This is supported by Ludwig AI confirming its usability and the examples where it's used to describe finding data in various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "look something up" is a common and versatile phrasal verb that means to search for information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. Primarily found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, this phrase serves the purpose of conveying the intent to find specific information, often to clarify understanding or to verify facts. While it is best practice to specify the source when possible, it is also crucial to cross-reference information to avoid superficial learning. Alternatives such as "search for information", "consult a reference", and "check the facts" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

search for information

This alternative emphasizes the act of actively seeking specific information.

consult a reference

This alternative suggests using a specific source, like a book or database, to find information.

check the facts

This alternative highlights the action of verifying information.

research the topic

This suggests a more in-depth investigation into a particular subject.

find out about

This is a more general way of expressing the act of discovering information.

investigate the matter

Similar to research, this suggests a deeper inquiry into a specific issue.

seek clarification

This implies searching for information to better understand something.

refer to resources

This highlights the use of available materials to gain knowledge.

do some fact-checking

Focuses specifically on verifying the accuracy of information.

browse for details

Suggests a casual search for specific pieces of information.

FAQs

What does "look something up" mean?

The phrase "look something up" means to search for information in a reference book, database, or online.

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

Example: "I need to "look something up" before I can answer your question."

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

You can use alternatives like "search for information", "consult a reference", or "check the facts".

Is it better to "look something up" online or in a book?

It depends on the context. Online sources are faster, while books may provide more in-depth information. Cross-referencing is always recommended.