looking it up

USAGE SUMMARY

"looking it up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the act of searching for information or a fact in a source such as a dictionary, encyclopedia, or internet search engine. Example: "I'm not sure about the definition of this word, let me try looking it up in the dictionary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This year's roster includes two cousins from American Samoa who chose to attend Savannah State after looking it up on Google and noticing its proximity to the ocean.

The New York Times - Sports

Which is to say you should really just buy the DVD instead of looking it up a supercut of all its money shots on PornHub.

Vice

(Aside from looking it up online, I mean).

The New York Times - Travel

"Oh," he said, looking it up on the computer.

The New York Times

Did Deefus spell "disingenuous" without looking it up?

The New York Times - Books

But why should we have to take the trouble of looking it up?

Independent

It was Ilbruce who suggested looking it up online in the back office.

The Guardian - Travel

Meanwhile, I think I can spell Saltalamacchia without looking it up finally.

The Guardian - Sport

Don't bother looking it up, it's the bit about the other cheek".

The Guardian

Trouble was we were all looking it up under "f-i-s-h".

The New Yorker

"It's called Gonzo Journalism," the editor told Buster, adding, "I'm looking it up on the Internet right now".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the context makes it clear what is being "looked up". Providing specifics enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "looking it up" without specifying what "it" refers to. Ambiguity can confuse the reader and diminish the effectiveness of your communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking it up" functions primarily as a verb phrase, specifically a phrasal verb acting as a gerund or present participle. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It describes the action of consulting a reference source to find information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

26%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "looking it up" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb that refers to the act of seeking information. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is widespread across various contexts, from news articles to casual conversation. The phrase functions as a verb phrase, is generally neutral in register, and is frequently encountered in sources such as News & Media, Wiki, and Science. When using this phrase, ensure that the context makes it clear what is being referenced to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

researching it

Focuses more on a detailed investigation or study.

checking it out

Implies a casual inspection or verification of something.

searching for it

Highlights the act of actively seeking information, possibly online.

investigating it

Suggests a more formal or thorough examination.

consulting a reference

Specifically refers to using a reference material for information.

finding information on it

Emphasizes the discovery aspect of the search.

ascertaining the details

Highlights confirming or establishing specific information.

verifying the facts

Focuses on confirming the truth or accuracy of something.

browsing for it

Indicates a more casual and less targeted search.

examining the matter

Implies a careful and detailed inspection.

FAQs

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

You can use "looking it up" to describe the act of finding information, as in, "I'm not sure what that word means, I'm "looking it up" in the dictionary".

What's the difference between ""looking it up"" and "researching it"?

"Looking it up" typically implies a quick search for specific information, while "researching it" suggests a more in-depth investigation.

Which is correct: "look it up" or "looking it up"?

Both "look it up" and "looking it up" are correct, but they have different uses. "Look it up" is an imperative, a command, while "looking it up" is a gerund or part of a continuous verb tense, like "I am "looking it up"".

What are some alternatives to ""looking it up""?

Alternatives include "checking it out", "searching for it", or "finding information on it", depending on the context.