takes a look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "takes a look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to suggest that someone should examine or inspect something briefly. Example: "Before making a decision, she takes a look at all the available options."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Reuters takes a look.

The New York Times

CNBC takes a look.

The New York Times

The Wall Street Journal takes a look.

The New York Times

Stian Westlake takes a look.

The Guardian

Barry Glendenning takes a look.

The Guardian - Sport

Clark Hoyt takes a look.

The New York Times

Lewis Mumford takes a look at municipal housing.

The New Yorker

Grrlscientist takes a look at the findings.

The Guardian

The Public Editor takes a look.

The New York Times

She takes a look at him.

The Guardian - Books

He takes a look at his handiwork.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "takes a look" with a prepositional phrase to specify what is being examined, such as "takes a look at the data".

Common error

Avoid using "takes a look" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise verbs like "examines", "analyzes", or "investigates" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "takes a look" functions as a verb phrase indicating a brief examination or inspection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. This usage is evident in examples where someone or something is described as examining a particular subject or issue.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "takes a look" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates a brief examination or inspection. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is commonly found in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal settings and should be used judiciously in formal or academic writing. Alternatives like "examines" or "reviews" may be more appropriate in those contexts. Therefore, understanding its register and appropriate context is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

examines

Focuses on a more formal and in-depth inspection.

inspects

Implies a careful and detailed examination, often for a specific purpose.

reviews

Suggests a more formal assessment or evaluation.

scrutinizes

Implies a very critical and detailed examination.

assesses

Implies evaluating the quality or importance of something.

investigates

Implies a systematic or formal inquiry.

analyzes

Suggests a detailed examination to understand the nature of something.

considers

Indicates a thoughtful examination or deliberation.

checks out

More informal, suggesting a brief inspection or verification.

surveys

Indicates a broad or general overview.

FAQs

How can I use "takes a look" in a sentence?

You can use "takes a look" to indicate a brief examination, as in "The reporter "takes a look" at the new policy".

What are some alternatives to "takes a look"?

Alternatives include "examines", "inspects", or "reviews", depending on the context.

Is "takes a look" too informal for academic writing?

Yes, "takes a look" can be considered informal. In academic writing, using more formal verbs such as "analyzes" or "investigates" is more appropriate.

What's the difference between "takes a look" and "examines"?

"Takes a look" suggests a quick or casual examination, while "examines" implies a more thorough and detailed inspection.