to look at something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to look at something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of observing or examining an object, idea, or situation. Example: "I need to look at something before making my final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Want to look at something neat?" he said.

The New Yorker

"How do you get someone to look at something?

The New York Times - Arts

The men have stopped to look at something in the road.

The New Yorker

(Sontag, in "On Photography," wrote that to look at something is to change it).

The New Yorker

"It's human nature to look at something and see why you can't do it.

The New York Times - Sports

He liked to look at something formulated into a problem and then figure out an approach.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Because it's saying that you want to look at something like this.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We're going to look at something called methane sulfonic acid, MSA.

Yale University

If you're the first to look at something new, it's like discovering your world.

University of California, Berkeley

But to really take a bigger step forward, we have to look at something new.

MIT Technology Review

Kids don't understand that there are multiple ways to look at something.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to encourage someone to consider a situation from a different perspective, use "to look at something" to introduce the new viewpoint. For example: "Try to look at something from their perspective before judging."

Common error

Avoid using "to look at something" when a more detailed examination is required. Instead, opt for phrases like "to analyze something" or "to investigate something" when a deeper understanding is the goal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to look at something" functions as an infinitive phrase, often acting as a verb complement or adverbial modifier. It introduces the object of observation, indicating what is being viewed or considered. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

26%

Huffington Post

22%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

4%

The New Yorker

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to look at something" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to direct attention or encourage observation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its widespread usage across diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to academic discourse, underscores its neutrality and accessibility. When aiming for more formal or casual tones, consider alternatives like "to examine something" or "to check something out", respectively. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively use "to look at something" in your writing to invite readers to explore new perspectives or scrutinize specific details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to take a look at something

This phrase adds emphasis to the act of looking; similar meaning, but less direct.

to examine something

This phrase implies a more detailed and careful inspection than "to look at something".

to observe something

This suggests a more scientific or detached form of watching compared to simply looking.

to view something

This alternative often implies a more formal or deliberate act of watching.

to consider something

This phrase emphasizes thinking about something, rather than just visually perceiving it.

to inspect something

This alternative denotes a close and careful examination, often for flaws or problems.

to study something

This suggests a focused and systematic approach to understanding something through observation.

to check something out

This is a more informal way of saying "to look at something", implying curiosity or interest.

to gaze at something

This suggests a longer, more contemplative look, often with admiration or wonder.

to scan something

This implies quickly looking over something, often to find specific information.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "to look at something" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, you can replace "to look at something" with alternatives like "to examine something", "to observe something", or "to consider something" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What's a more casual way to say "to look at something"?

For more casual situations, consider using phrases such as "to check something out" or "to take a look at something". These options are more conversational and less formal.

Is there a difference between "to see something" and "to look at something"?

"To see something" implies perceiving it, while "to look at something" suggests directing your gaze towards it intentionally. You might "see" a bird fly by, but you "look at" a painting in a museum.

When should I use "to study something" instead of "to look at something"?

Use "to study something" when you intend to learn about the subject through observation. While "to look at something" simply indicates viewing, "to study something" implies a deliberate effort to understand it.