we looked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we looked" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an action of looking or observing something in the past. Example: "As we walked through the forest, we looked for signs of wildlife."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We looked at everyone.

The New York Times

We looked in windows.

The New York Times

"We looked for fingerprints".

The New York Times

We looked at everything.

The New Yorker

We looked his way.

The New York Times - Sports

We looked, we waited.

The New Yorker

We looked sexy.

The New Yorker

"We looked fairly solid.

Independent

We looked up.

The New York Times

That's how we looked.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"We looked at this.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we looked" to describe past observations or investigations clearly and directly. It's versatile for both literal and figurative senses of 'looking'.

Common error

While generally acceptable, "we looked" can sound less formal than alternatives like "we observed" or "we examined" in academic or professional contexts. Consider the tone of your writing when choosing the most appropriate phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we looked" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating a past action of observing or directing one's gaze. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it's often followed by a preposition (e.g., "we looked at", "we looked for") to specify the object or direction of the gaze.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we looked" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a past action of observing or investigating. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news and media. While it's suitable for many contexts, consider more formal alternatives like "we observed" in academic or professional writing. The phrase's high frequency and neutral tone make it a reliable choice for conveying past observations in clear and direct manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we observed

Replaces "looked" with a more formal synonym emphasizing careful watching.

we checked

Indicates a verification or confirmation by looking.

we searched

Implies an active effort to find something by looking.

we gazed

Implies a prolonged and often admiring look.

we examined

Indicates a detailed inspection or investigation.

we inspected

Similar to 'examined', but often implies a more official or formal scrutiny.

we reviewed

Implies a careful assessment or re-examination.

we glanced

Suggests a quick or brief look.

we scanned

Suggests a broad, sweeping look, often to find something specific.

we considered

Shifts from literal looking to a mental consideration or evaluation.

FAQs

How can I use "we looked" in a sentence?

You can use "we looked" to describe a past action of observing something, such as "we looked at the evidence" or "we looked for a solution".

What are some alternatives to "we looked"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "we observed", "we examined", or "we reviewed".

Is it correct to say "we looked at" versus "we saw"?

"We looked at" implies a deliberate action of observing, while "we saw" simply indicates that something came into our field of vision. The best choice depends on whether the observation was intentional or accidental.

When is it more appropriate to use "we investigated" instead of "we looked into"?

"We investigated" is more formal and suggests a thorough, systematic inquiry. "We looked into" is generally more casual and can imply a less rigorous examination.