we look at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we look at" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing analysis, examination, or consideration of a topic. For example, "In this study, we look at the effects of climate change on biodiversity." Alternative expressions include "we examine" and "we consider."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We look at her aghast.

The New Yorker

We look at the detail".

The Guardian

"We look at the evidence.

Independent

We look at two standards.

The New York Times

We look at each other.

The New Yorker

We look at deeds".

The Guardian

We look at invariance of a.e.

Journal of Functional Analysis

"Again we look at every possibility".

The New York Times

We look at their work history.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

JR: We look at risk.

The Washington Post

"We look at ourselves on YouTube.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In collaborative or academic writing, use this phrase to guide the reader through the logic of your analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "we look at" repetitively in highly technical reports; instead, vary your vocabulary with more precise verbs like "we scrutinize" or "we assess" to better reflect the intensity of your research.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we look at" functions as a subject-verb-prepositional phrase structure. It typically serves to establish the collective perspective of the authors or observers. In many Ludwig examples, it acts as a transitional marker that directs the reader's attention to a specific variable, data point, or physical object.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we look at" is a robust and essential tool in the English language, verified as correct and highly usable by Ludwig. Its primary strength lies in its transparency and directness, allowing writers to guide their audience through complex topics by signaling a shift in focus. Whether used to describe the physical act of looking or the intellectual act of analysis, it remains a staple of high-quality writing across News & Media, Science, and Business contexts. While simple, its correct application ensures clarity, especially when transitioning between high-level theories and concrete examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we examine

Provides a more clinical or formal tone for investigation

we analyze

Specifically implies a deeper breakdown of data or information

we consider

Suggests thinking about or reflecting on a topic

we observe

Emphasizes the act of watching or noticing details

we study

Implies a longer period of focused research or learning

we review

Used when looking over existing information or performance

we explore

Suggests a broader, more open-ended investigation

we investigate

Implies searching for facts or uncovering details

we scrutinize

Emphasizes looking at something with extreme care and detail

we evaluate

Focuses on making a judgment about quality or value

FAQs

How do I use "we look at" in a sentence?

You can use it to introduce a topic of analysis, such as: "In this report, "we look at" the quarterly earnings." It is also used physically, as in "When "we look at" the night sky, we see stars."

What is a more formal way to say "we look at"?

Depending on the context, you can use "we examine", "we analyze" or "we investigate".

What's the difference between "we look at" and "we look for"?

"we look at" means to observe or analyze something that is already there, while "we look for" means to search for something that is missing or desired.

Is "we look at" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, it is common in the methodology or introduction sections of papers, though some authors prefer "we consider" for a more refined tone.