looked hard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looked hard" is a correct and usable part of written English.
You can use it to describe an instance in which someone looked for or studied something intently. For example, "He looked hard at the chart to try to find the root of the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I looked hard.

The Guardian - Books

He looked hard.

The New York Times - Arts

Willie looked hard.

The New Yorker

He looked hard at Mr. Nick.

The New York Times

He looked hard at the corner.

The New York Times - Magazine

Shimao looked hard at Komura.

The New Yorker

They haven't really looked hard enough".

The Guardian - Arts

I just hadn't looked hard enough".

The Guardian - Arts

Even a year ago it looked hard to resist.

The Economist

Mr. Ndeto trudged in and looked hard at his son.

The New York Times

He looked hard at the natural world, then looked hard at its spiritual implications.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "looked hard" with specific prepositions like "at", "for", or "into" to clarify the object or direction of the intense observation. For example, "looked hard at the evidence" or "looked hard for a solution".

Common error

Avoid using "looked hard" when a simple observation or search would suffice. Overusing it can dilute its impact. Reserve it for situations where the effort and intensity of the looking are significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looked hard" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the action of observing or searching with considerable effort and intensity. Ludwig shows examples where it describes careful examination or thorough searching.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looked hard" is a versatile phrase used to convey intense observation or searching. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use, especially in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. To effectively use "looked hard", remember to emphasize the effort involved and choose prepositions that clarify the object of observation. While the phrase is widely applicable, avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "examined closely" or "scrutinized intently" to vary your writing and maintain its expressiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

examined closely

Focuses on a careful and detailed inspection.

scrutinized intently

Highlights a very critical and detailed examination.

searched thoroughly

Emphasizes the comprehensiveness of the search.

investigated deeply

Indicates a profound and thorough inquiry.

studied carefully

Focuses on the act of learning and understanding through detailed observation.

gave close attention

Highlights the act of dedicating focus and care.

pored over

Suggests meticulous and prolonged examination.

inspected meticulously

Highlights the precision and thoroughness of the examination.

delved into

Suggests an in-depth exploration of a topic.

applied oneself diligently

Focuses on the effort and dedication put into understanding something.

FAQs

How can I use "looked hard" in a sentence?

You can use "looked hard" to describe a situation where someone examined something intently. For example, "He "looked hard" at the data to find the anomaly".

What are some alternatives to "looked hard"?

Alternatives to "looked hard" include "examined closely", "scrutinized intently", or "searched thoroughly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "looked hard" and "looked carefully"?

"Looked hard" implies a greater degree of effort and determination than "looked carefully". While both suggest attentiveness, "looked hard" suggests a more intense or challenging search. You should use "looked hard" when there is persistence.

Is it correct to say "I looked hardly" instead of "I looked hard"?

No, "I looked hardly" is grammatically incorrect and doesn't convey the intended meaning. The correct phrase is "I "looked hard"", which means you searched or observed something with great effort and intention.