looking them up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking them up" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the act of searching for information or a particular item. Example: "I'm not sure what that word means, let me look it up in the dictionary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

But try looking them up today.

The Guardian

Still, no shame in looking them up, just to be sure.

The New York Times

(Think of how few of the words in your working vocabulary you learned by looking them up in a dictionary).

Independent

Matthew Mosier, 16, spent hours on his botany project, gathering leaves from neighbors' farms, looking them up on the Web.

The New York Times

How many people know the meaning of "three sheets to the wind" or "the cut of his jib" without looking them up?

The Economist

Most of the words you know and love and use every day are not words you learned by looking them up in a dictionary and reading a definition.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

I look them up and down.

The New York Times - Style

Now I'll never know unless I look them up.

The New Yorker

(Yes, we had to look them up, too).

The New York Times - Sports

Gregg offered to look them up and get their permission.

The New Yorker

When principles are at issue, they simply look them up.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looking them up" when you want to emphasize the act of consulting a reference source or directory to find specific information.

Common error

Avoid using "looking them up" when a simpler verb like "searching" or "finding" would suffice. Be specific about what reference source or directory you are consulting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking them up" functions as a phrasal verb, where "look" is the verb and "up" is the particle. This construction indicates the action of searching for and retrieving information, typically from a directory, database, or online source. Examples from Ludwig illustrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looking them up" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrasal verb that describes the act of searching for information in a reference source or directory. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is typically used to indicate the act of searching for information or a particular item. Its usage spans various contexts, particularly in news and media, scientific publications, and wikis. While generally neutral in register, it is essential to use it specifically when consulting a reference source, avoiding vagueness. Common alternatives include "searching for them", "finding them online", and "researching them". The phrase is well-established and easily understood, making it a valuable part of everyday language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

searching for them

Focuses on the action of searching, omitting the specific directionality implied by "up".

finding them online

Specifies that the action of finding is performed online.

researching them

Implies a more in-depth investigation than simply "looking up".

checking them out

More informal, suggesting a brief investigation or evaluation.

contacting them

Focuses on establishing communication rather than finding information.

investigating them

Implies a more thorough and possibly formal inquiry.

tracking them down

Suggests a more difficult or persistent search.

locating them

Emphasizes finding their physical or virtual location.

accessing their information

Highlights the act of gaining access to data about them.

consulting their profiles

Specifically refers to reviewing their profiles, typically online.

FAQs

How do I use "looking them up" in a sentence?

You can use "looking them up" to describe finding information about someone or something. For example, "I'm "looking them up" in the phone book" or "I'm "looking them up" online".

What's a more formal alternative to "looking them up"?

More formal alternatives include "researching them" or "investigating them", depending on the context. Researching implies a deeper dive, while investigating may suggest a formal inquiry.

When is it appropriate to use "looking them up" versus "searching for them"?

"Looking them up" is best when you are consulting a specific directory or reference source. "Searching for them" is more general and doesn't imply a particular source.

Is "looking them up" appropriate for professional communication?

Yes, "looking them up" is acceptable in professional communication, especially when referring to consulting databases or directories. However, consider "researching them" or "verifying their credentials" for more formal contexts.