looking within

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking within" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing introspection, self-reflection, or exploring one's thoughts and feelings. Example: "In times of uncertainty, I find that looking within helps me understand my true desires and motivations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Looking ahead will require much looking within to repair the fault lines that lie beneath.

The Washington Post

It was about looking within.

The New York Times - Arts

"Berlin is looking within Berlin," he said.

The New York Times - Travel

"So we're now looking within the schedule to see if any moves make sense geographically".

The New York Times - Sports

As a reporter, he was both observer and memoirist, seeing and looking within.

The New Yorker

I only used two eyes together when looking within two inches of my face.

The New Yorker

You can observe the same phenomenon when looking within the U.S.

The New York Times

While Pagel focuses on humans in groups, Seung's passion is looking within the individual brain.

The Washington Post

MARKET OVERVIEW Buyers looking within central Warsaw will find mostly apartments or semidetached houses.

The New York Times

What I was telling is we are looking within about 1,000 light years.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Oily skin can become greasy and shiny-looking within an hour after washing.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looking within" when you want to emphasize the importance of introspection and self-awareness in understanding a situation or making a decision. It's especially useful in contexts where external factors are insufficient for a complete understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "looking within" as a substitute for conducting thorough external research or seeking diverse perspectives. While introspection is valuable, it should complement, not replace, objective analysis and external input.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking within" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun or part of a prepositional phrase. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, emphasizing its role in discussing introspection and self-reflection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

15%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "looking within" serves as a potent reminder to tap into our inner resources for clarity and understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable. Occurring most frequently in News & Media, but also present in Scientific and Academic spheres, the phrase underscores the importance of introspection across diverse domains. While "looking within" should not replace external analysis, it offers a critical lens for self-awareness and informed decision-making. Alternatives such as "introspecting" or "self-reflecting" enrich our expressive toolkit while retaining the core message of internal exploration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

introspecting

Focuses specifically on the act of self-examination and reflection.

self-reflecting

Emphasizes the act of thinking deeply about one's own thoughts, feelings, and actions.

examining oneself

Highlights the process of scrutinizing one's own character and behavior.

analyzing internally

Shifts focus to an analytical approach towards understanding inner workings or aspects.

contemplating inwardly

Suggests a more meditative and thoughtful consideration of internal matters.

considering internally

Similar to "analyzing internally" but conveys more like "to take into account", in the context.

exploring internally

Focuses on the discovery and understanding of internal aspects or elements.

evaluating internally

Specifically means, in the context, to make judgement on internal workings.

assessing inwardly

Emphasizes the act of measuring and judging one's internal state or situation.

delving within

Implies a deeper and more thorough investigation of one's inner thoughts and feelings.

FAQs

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

You can use "looking within" to describe the act of introspection or self-reflection, such as: "In times of uncertainty, "looking within" can provide clarity."

What are some alternatives to "looking within"?

Alternatives include "introspecting", "self-reflecting", or "examining oneself", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "looking within"?

While "looking within" is generally appropriate, it's important to consider the context. In situations requiring objective analysis or external data, relying solely on introspection may be insufficient. It should complement, not replace, external investigation.

What's the difference between "looking within" and "introspection"?

"Looking within" is a more general term for self-reflection, while "introspection" often implies a more formal or structured examination of one's thoughts and feelings.