to look outside

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to look outside" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the action of directing one's gaze or attention towards what is happening or located outside of a specific location or area. Example: She stood up from her desk and walked to the window to look outside at the rain pouring down.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We have to look outside," she said.

The New York Times

"I didn't want to look outside," he said.

The New York Times

"He likes to look outside, so I wheeled him to a window".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You do not have to look outside to tell the weather.

The New York Times - Magazine

Are they continuing to look outside for ideas that will help them grow the business?

The New York Times

We're meant to look outside in.

BBC

For now I prefer to look outside rather than inside.

Vice

Try not to look outside or have AIM open.

WikiHow

In either case always make sure to look outside and to scan the six-pack when possible.

WikiHow

It's important to look outside the business.

The Guardian

Sometimes you want to look outside.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to look outside" when you want to express the act of directing your gaze or attention away from an enclosed space or immediate environment.

Common error

Avoid using "to look outside" when you mean to seek external expertise or advice. Instead, use phrases like "to seek external counsel" or "to consult experts".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to look outside" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase that typically acts as an adverbial of purpose or result. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and used in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to look outside" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes directing one's gaze or attention towards the external environment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct in written English and is used in a variety of contexts, primarily in News & Media. While it can be used both literally and metaphorically, it is crucial to ensure that the context aligns with its intended meaning. It's recommended to avoid metaphorical uses that might be better expressed with alternatives such as ""seek external expertise"". Overall, "to look outside" remains a versatile and readily understood phrase in modern English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to gaze externally

Replaces 'look' with 'gaze' and 'outside' with 'externally', emphasizing a prolonged observation.

to view the exterior

Substitutes 'look' with 'view' and 'outside' with 'exterior', focusing on the visual aspect of the external environment.

to observe outwards

Replaces 'look' with 'observe' and 'outside' with 'outwards', stressing a conscious act of watching in an outward direction.

to scan the surroundings

Changes the focus to a broader survey of the environment, using 'scan' instead of 'look' and 'surroundings' in place of 'outside'.

to peer beyond

Emphasizes the act of looking past a barrier or boundary, using 'peer' instead of 'look' and 'beyond' for 'outside'.

to survey the external world

Presents a formal alternative, replacing 'look' with 'survey' and 'outside' with 'the external world'.

to glance outwardly

Uses 'glance' to indicate a quick look and 'outwardly' as an adverbial form of 'outside'.

to examine the landscape

Replaces 'look' with 'examine' and specifies the 'landscape' as the object of observation.

to contemplate the beyond

Shifts the focus to a more thoughtful observation of what lies beyond, using 'contemplate'.

to inspect the outer area

Offers a more clinical or detailed observation of the external space, using 'inspect'.

FAQs

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

You can use "to look outside" to describe the act of visually observing something beyond your current location. For example, "She needed a break, so she decided "to look outside" the window".

What's a simple way to explain what "to look outside" means?

"To look outside" simply means to direct your gaze towards the external environment, often from an interior space.

Is it better to say "look outside" or "look out"?

Both "look outside" and "look out" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Look outside" refers to directing your vision externally, while "look out" is often a warning to be careful or vigilant. For example, "look out! There's a car coming!"

When should I use "to look outside" literally versus metaphorically?

Use "to look outside" literally when describing the act of seeing something external. Use it metaphorically when referring to seeking external perspectives or solutions, though other phrases like "seek external expertise" may be clearer in metaphorical contexts.