look within

USAGE SUMMARY

"look within" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to search or reflect within oneself for answers or solutions. Example: When faced with difficult decisions, it is important to take a moment to look within and trust your inner wisdom.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Look within yourselves".

The Guardian

Everyone looks before him; I look within.

The New Yorker

We need to condemn but also to look within.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's vital to look out into the world, but we need sometimes to look within, too.

The Guardian - Books

But maybe now is a good time, and certainly a good place, to look within.

The New York Times - Magazine

I beg of you, look within yourselves and ask: Who is the true monster here?

The New Yorker

When awake, her eyes have a lost look within her stilled body, as if in appeal.

The Guardian - Opinion

Freeman said it planned to look within the agency for a successor.

The New York Times

If only it was that easy for him to look within himself.

The New York Times - Sports

"They don't just identify a location and look within the four square blocks.

The New York Times

"They're teaching children how to meditate and how to look within for peace and for comfort.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "look within" when you want to encourage self-reflection or introspection, especially in situations requiring personal growth or problem-solving.

Common error

Avoid using "look within" when the solution clearly requires external action or resources. It's not appropriate if the problem needs external help rather than internal reflection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look within" functions primarily as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to engage in self-reflection or introspection. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows many examples in contexts promoting personal growth and problem-solving.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Huffington Post

29%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Forbes

3%

The New York Times

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "look within" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to encourage introspection and self-reflection. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki. When using this phrase, ensure that the context calls for internal reflection rather than external action. Consider alternatives like "introspect" or "reflect internally" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Introspect

Focuses more on the act of examining one's own thoughts or feelings.

Reflect internally

Highlights the act of considering something from an internal perspective.

Examine yourself

Emphasizes a thorough investigation of one's own character or behavior.

Consider your inner self

Focuses on contemplating one's internal being and identity.

Search your soul

Implies a deep and spiritual exploration of one's inner being.

Turn inward

Suggests shifting focus from external factors to internal thoughts and emotions.

Analyze your thoughts

Highlights a mental and analytical process of self-examination.

Assess your feelings

Focuses on evaluating and understanding one's emotional state.

Contemplate your being

Implies deep, thoughtful reflection on one's existence and nature.

Delve into your psyche

Suggests a deep and thorough exploration of one's mind.

FAQs

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

You can use "look within" to encourage introspection or self-examination. For example, "When facing challenges, it's important to "look within" for strength and guidance."

What does it mean to "look within"?

To "look within" means to examine your own thoughts, feelings, and motives to gain a better understanding of yourself or to find solutions to problems.

What are some alternatives to "look within"?

Some alternatives include "introspect", "reflect internally", or "examine yourself". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "look within"?

It's appropriate to use "look within" when suggesting someone examine their own thoughts, feelings, or motives, particularly when seeking personal growth or solving internal conflicts.