looking to see

USAGE SUMMARY

"looking to see" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are seeking information or knowledge, often regarding future outcomes. For example: "We are looking to see how this new policy affects our employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We're looking to see some progress soon".

The New York Times - Health

They are looking to see a parallel commitment".

The New York Times - Sports

"We're looking to see if we have a translator.

The New York Times - Sports

"Everyone is now looking to see what China will do".

The New York Times - Arts

Torre was looking to see him improve last night.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm looking to see if they've got a passion.

The New York Times

"I'm looking to see if I know anybody.

The New York Times

"We're looking to see whether something similar can be done".

The Guardian - Sport

I guess we are all looking to see his answers.

The Guardian - Sport

We are looking to see a young man succeed".

The New York Times - Sports

When that comes out, I'll be looking to see if the service numbers are substantially revised.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looking to see" when you want to convey an expectation or anticipation of a future outcome or result. It implies a proactive stance of watching for something to happen or become evident.

Common error

While generally acceptable, relying too heavily on "looking to see" in formal contexts can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Consider using more precise alternatives like "seeking to determine" or "aiming to ascertain" to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking to see" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to express the purpose or intention behind an action. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across diverse contexts, indicating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

15%

Sports

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looking to see" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that effectively conveys an intention to observe or investigate a future outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears across various contexts, particularly in news, academia, and sports. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain professional or scientific settings. By understanding its function and potential alternatives, writers can effectively use "looking to see" to add clarity and precision to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aiming to observe

Emphasizes the intention to watch or notice something.

intending to find out

Highlights the purpose of discovering information.

seeking to determine

Suggests a more formal and analytical approach to discovery.

planning to watch

Focuses on the act of observing a development or event.

anticipating to witness

Implies expecting to see something happen.

expecting to view

Similar to 'anticipating to witness' but slightly more passive.

hoping to ascertain

Expresses a desire to confirm or establish something definitively.

trying to discover

Emphasizes the effort involved in finding something out.

prospecting to view

Similar to 'anticipating to witness' but a little less common

purposing to check

Less common, but implies an intention to verify something.

FAQs

How can I use "looking to see" in a sentence?

You can use "looking to see" to express an intention to observe future outcomes or developments. For example: "We are "looking to see" how the new policy affects our employees."

What are some alternatives to "looking to see"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "aiming to observe", "intending to find out", or "seeking to determine".

Is "looking to see" formal or informal?

"Looking to see" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider more precise alternatives.

What's the difference between "looking to see" and "trying to see"?

"Looking to see" implies anticipation of a future event or outcome, while "trying to see" suggests an active effort to understand or perceive something that is not immediately clear. For example, "We are "looking to see" if the project succeeds" versus "I'm "trying to see" the logic in your argument".