took a look around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took a look around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of observing or examining one's surroundings. Example: "After arriving at the new city, I took a look around to get a feel for the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

I WALKED across the airport tarmac, took a look around and nearly ran back into the plane.

The New York Times - Travel

"Only he wasn't because, as he left the field, he took a look around, realised he would never be back, and (briefly) applauded the fans".

The Guardian - Sport

BellSouth Corporation bls took a look around and noticed that 80% of all telephone calls made were local in nature.

Forbes

Of course, I couldn't judge "him" for his drinking, because I took a look around and realized that "he" was probably left by one of the heartbreakingly beautiful women that now flock to modern-day kafanas, because every drinking establishment in the city is filled with enough supermodels to fill a runway at a high-end fashion show.

BBC

I took a look around, and there was blood everywhere.

Vice

The elevator doors opened, we took a look around, and within 30 seconds they both told me they were ready to leave.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

"Well," she said, "take a look around".

The New Yorker

"Nothing has changed for people, just take a look around".

The Guardian

But take a look around, Cohen said.

Los Angeles Times

How often do you stop and take a look around?

Huffington Post

"Take a look around and tell me what you see".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "took a look around" when you want to describe a general act of observation without specifying a particular purpose or method. It's suitable for narrative writing where you want to convey a character's initial reaction to a new environment.

Common error

Avoid using "took a look around" in formal reports or professional communications. Opt for more precise verbs like "surveyed", "examined", or "assessed" to convey a greater degree of intentionality and thoroughness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took a look around" functions as a phrasal verb indicating a general act of observation. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in describing someone's initial assessment of a place or situation. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "took a look around" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe a general act of observation. As Ludwig highlights, it's prevalent in news and media but leans toward a neutral or slightly informal register. While versatile, it's best to reserve it for scenarios where a broad, preliminary assessment is being described, and to consider more precise alternatives in formal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrasal verb is commonly used and generally correct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

glanced around

Implies a quick, less thorough observation compared to "took a look around".

surveyed the area

Suggests a more comprehensive and methodical examination of the surroundings.

scanned the vicinity

Indicates a broad, sweeping search, often for something specific.

checked out the scene

More informal, suggesting a casual inspection of a place or situation.

observed the surroundings

A more formal and detached way of saying "took a look around", emphasizing the act of noticing.

inspected the premises

Suggests a formal or official examination of a property or location.

assessed the situation

Implies evaluating the circumstances after observing them.

scrutinized the environment

Suggests a detailed and critical examination of the surroundings.

examined the locality

A formal term for carefully inspecting a specific area.

reconnoitered the area

Implies exploring or surveying an area, especially for military purposes.

FAQs

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

You can use "took a look around" to describe someone observing their surroundings. For example, "After entering the room, she "took a look around" to see who was there."

What are some alternatives to "took a look around"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "glanced around", "surveyed the area", or "scanned the vicinity" as alternatives to "took a look around".

Is "took a look around" formal or informal?

"Took a look around" leans towards the informal side. In formal writing, consider more precise and professional alternatives like "examined" or "inspected".

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

"Took a look around" implies a general observation of the surroundings, while "searched" suggests a more focused and intentional effort to find something specific. For example, you "took a look around" a new city, but you "searched" for your lost keys.