peek at

USAGE SUMMARY

'peek at' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to describe an action of quickly looking at something. For example, "I peeked at the document to see how much money I had in my bank account."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Take a peek at the page here.

The New York Times

She took another peek at Qingqing.

The New Yorker

Now peek at your midyear portfolio statement.

The New York Times

Peek at the NFL standings.

The Washington Post

Here's a peek at his gallery début.

The New Yorker

I'm going to peek at something here.

Cornell University

Farmers get peek at latest agricultural research.

Cornell University

I sneaked a peek at my daughters.

The New York Times

He waited to peek at Longoria, too.

The New York Times - Sports

You can peek at the ending.

The Washington Post

Want a peek at a Yorkshire terrier?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "peek at" when you want to convey a quick, often secretive, look. It's suitable for informal contexts and adds a touch of curiosity or mischief.

Common error

Avoid using "peek at" in formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "examine", "review", or "inspect" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "peek at" functions primarily as an intransitive verb indicating the act of taking a quick or furtive look. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Examples show it used to describe looking quickly at something, often with an element of secrecy or curiosity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

13%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "peek at" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe taking a quick or secretive look. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and the numerous examples highlight its widespread application across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral to informal, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "examine" or "review" in professional settings. The phrase conveys a sense of curiosity and furtiveness, making it suitable for describing fleeting glances and discreet observations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a peek at

More emphatic and descriptive; adds a sense of anticipation or secrecy.

sneak a look at

Specifically emphasizes the secretive nature of the action.

steal a glance at

Emphasizes the surreptitious nature of the look.

glance at

Implies a briefer and often more casual look than "peek at".

peep at

Similar to "peek at" but can sometimes imply a more furtive or intrusive look.

glimpse at

Suggests a very brief and often unintentional view.

take a quick look at

Highlights the speed and brevity of the action.

have a look at

A more general way of saying to look at something, lacking the secretive connotation.

cast an eye over

More formal and implies a quick review or assessment.

check out

More informal and implies investigating or examining something.

FAQs

How can I use "peek at" in a sentence?

You can use "peek at" to describe a quick, often secretive, look. For example, "I had to peek at the answers during the test" or "She peeked at the surprise before her birthday party".

What's the difference between "peek at" and "stare at"?

"Peek at" implies a quick, often secretive look, while "stare at" suggests a prolonged, intense gaze.

What can I say instead of "peek at" to sound more formal?

For more formal alternatives, consider using "examine", "review", or "inspect" depending on the context.

Is it ever appropriate to use "peek at" in professional writing?

While generally informal, "peek at" might be acceptable in less formal professional contexts, such as blog posts or internal communications, where a more relaxed tone is desired. However, it's usually best to opt for a more neutral term like "review" to maintain professionalism.