to look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as when discussing appearance, observation, or intention. Example: "I need to look at the report before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

to look.

The New Yorker

He wants to look.

The New Yorker

She liked to look.

The New Yorker

You have to look".

The New York Times - Books

You begin to look.

The New York Times

Jennifer turned to look.

The New Yorker

Want to look beefier?

The Guardian - Arts

He refuses to look around.

The New Yorker

She turned to look, too.

The New Yorker

I wanted to look good.

Independent

There's much to look at.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to look" to indicate searching, consider specifying what you are looking for to provide clarity. For example, "to look for a job" is more specific than just "to look".

Common error

Avoid using "to look" vaguely. Instead of saying "I need to look", specify what you need to look at or look for. For example, "I need to examine the data" provides more information.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to look" primarily functions as a verb, indicating the act of directing one's gaze or searching for something. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it serves this purpose, showcasing its versatility in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

40%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to look" is a versatile and commonly used infinitive phrase in the English language. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and can express various actions, such as directing one's gaze, searching, or appearing. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, from formal news articles to informal conversations. To use it effectively, ensure clarity by specifying what you are looking at or for. Its high frequency across various authoritative sources underscores its importance in everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to observe

Focuses more on careful or detailed watching.

to view

Implies seeing something, often with a specific purpose or from a particular perspective.

to gaze

Suggests a long, steady look, often in admiration or wonder.

to search

Emphasizes the act of trying to find something.

to seek

A more formal way of saying "to search".

to appear

Focuses on how something seems or presents itself visually.

to seem

Similar to "to appear", but can also refer to non-visual impressions.

to watch

Implies paying attention to something over a period of time.

to examine

Suggests a careful and detailed inspection.

to inspect

Similar to "to examine", but often implies an official or formal context.

FAQs

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

You can use "to look" in many ways, such as "I want "to look good"", "She turned "to look"", or "There's much "to look at"" depending on the context.

What are some alternatives to "to look" when referring to appearance?

If you mean appearance, you can use alternatives such as "to appear", "to seem", or "to present".

When is it appropriate to use "to look for" instead of just "to look"?

Use "to look for" when you are specifically searching for something. For example, "I need "to look for my keys"" is clearer than "I need "to look"".

What's the difference between "to look at" and "to look into"?

"To look at" means to direct your gaze towards something, while "to look into" means to investigate or examine something.