Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
shall look to
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "shall look to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal or legal contexts to indicate that someone will rely on or refer to something or someone for guidance or support. Example: "In times of uncertainty, we shall look to our leaders for direction and clarity."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
We shall look to the parties to work constructively together.
News & Media
We shall look to Life for further reports on the flying schoolboy...illustrating a typical N.M. school day, with the plane warming up in front of the ranch house while the pretty teacher, 16 miles away, takes her morning bath in a watering trough.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
We shall look at more nuanced reactions to the relativity of simultaneity below, but first it will be useful to introduce an argument that plays somewhat the same role in Minkowski spacetime as McTaggart's argument did in Newtonian spacetime.
Science
First, we shall look at the types of sign to which Peirce's early account gives rise.
Science
There are two broad categories of theories we shall look at: The first denies propositionalism, according to which propositions are the objects of the attitudes.
Science
"We shall, therefore, look to reduce the number of these players during the coming transfer window in order to operate both effectively and efficiently".
News & Media
Instead, he writes, "Willing allows some time to elapse, an interim called: We shall look at it tomorrow".
News & Media
To assess feasibility and acceptability we shall look at scores on the QbTest feedback questionnaires.
Science
" We hope to be able to issue a draft for consultation in the very near future… But we shall look forward to all your assistance in trying to reach the right answer to what is without doubt a problem that many people found divisive.
News & Media
To simplify, we shall look instead to the system with n′=n−k nodes and k′=0 offline nodes at any time (and consequently with instantaneous rejuvenations).
In this essay, we shall look at some of the arguments for singular propositions, discuss problems their existence give rise to, and show how singular propositions are related to certain questions in metaphysics.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "shall look to" in formal writing or legal contexts where you want to emphasize reliance on a specific source or authority for guidance or action.
Common error
Avoid using "shall look to" in casual or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "will rely on" or "will turn to" in everyday communication.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
3.9/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "shall look to" functions as a future-tense verb phrase expressing reliance or expectation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it indicates an intention to depend on something or someone for guidance or support. Examples show its use in formal statements regarding future actions.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Science
50%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "shall look to" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a future reliance on something or someone, although as per Ludwig AI is less common in modern English. It's primarily found in formal contexts like legal documents, official statements, and academic writing. While it conveys a sense of obligation or expectation, simpler alternatives such as "will rely on" or "will turn to" are often preferred in everyday communication. The frequency of the expression is rare, and the main usage contexts are News & Media and Science.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
shall count on
Uses "count on" instead of "look to", keeping the formal tone with "shall".
will rely on
Replaces "shall" with the more common "will" and uses "rely" instead of "look to", maintaining a similar meaning.
shall bank on
Emphasizes reliance and confidence in something or someone.
will depend on
Similar to "rely on" but emphasizes dependence.
shall seek guidance from
Explicitly states the act of seeking guidance.
will turn to
Suggests seeking assistance or guidance from a particular source.
will expect from
Focuses on anticipating a certain behavior or outcome.
will anticipate from
Emphasizes expecting something to happen or be provided by someone.
will place our hopes on
Shifts the focus to hope and aspiration.
will pin our hopes on
Expresses a strong hope or expectation.
FAQs
What does "shall look to" mean?
"Shall look to" means to rely on, depend on, or expect something from someone or something. It's often used in formal contexts to indicate a source of guidance or support.
When is it appropriate to use "shall look to"?
Use "shall look to" in formal writing, legal documents, or official statements when you want to emphasize a sense of obligation or expectation. In casual conversation, alternatives like "will rely on" or "will turn to" are more appropriate.
What can I say instead of "shall look to"?
You can use alternatives like "will rely on", "will depend on", or "will turn to" depending on the context.
Is "shall look to" commonly used in modern English?
While grammatically correct, "shall look to" is less common in contemporary English. It's more frequently found in formal or legal contexts. Simpler alternatives are often preferred in everyday writing and conversation.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
3.9/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested