took a look

USAGE SUMMARY

'took a look' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to someone glancing at something. Example: She took a look at the photos before deciding which one to use.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Rosy took a look as Possum pointed.

The New Yorker

They took a look, then crossed anyway.

The New Yorker

I took a look at Mrs. Swendseid.

The New Yorker

Then the Prado conservators took a look.

The New York Times - Arts

He took a look up.

The New York Times

Liz took a look around.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

We took a look-see.

The New York Times

"Take a look, take pictures".

The New York Times

Take a look here.

The Economist

Take a look, Hal".

The New Yorker

Take a look below.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "took a look" when you want to convey a brief or casual examination of something. It's appropriate for both spoken and written English.

Common error

While "took a look" is versatile, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for more precise verbs like "examined", "inspected", or "reviewed" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took a look" functions as a verb phrase indicating a brief or casual observation. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable in written English, commonly used to describe someone glancing at something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "took a look" is a common and generally accepted verb phrase used to describe a brief or casual observation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's important to consider the level of formality required for your writing; in more formal settings, consider alternatives like "examined" or "inspected". Remember to avoid overuse, and always tailor your vocabulary to the specific context for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

glanced at

Focuses on a quick, brief look.

checked out

A more informal way to say "looked at", suggesting a casual inspection.

had a peek

Implies a quick, often secretive, look.

had a glimpse

Implies a very brief or partial view.

gave it a once-over

Idiomatic for a quick, comprehensive check.

cast an eye over

An idiomatic way of saying "looked at", often implying a quick assessment.

peered at

Suggests looking intently, often because something is difficult to see.

inspected briefly

Suggests a more formal and somewhat detailed examination, but still quick.

surveyed quickly

Implies a broad, but rapid, overview.

scrutinized rapidly

Means examined carefully but quickly.

FAQs

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

You can use "took a look" to describe a brief examination or inspection. For instance, "She "took a look" at the document before signing it."

What can I say instead of "took a look"?

Alternatives include "glanced at", "checked out", or "inspected briefly", depending on the context.

Is "took a look" formal or informal?

"Took a look" is generally considered informal. In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "examined" or "scrutinized."

What's the difference between "took a look" and "examined"?

"Took a look" implies a quick, casual observation, while "examined" suggests a more thorough and careful inspection. For example, an expert "examined" the evidence.