we looked at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we looked at" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to examining, considering, or analyzing something, such as a topic, issue, or piece of information. Example: "In our meeting, we looked at the recent sales data to identify trends and areas for improvement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We looked at everyone.

The New York Times

We looked at everything.

The New Yorker

We looked at her blankly.

Independent

We looked at each other.

The New York Times

"Have we looked at that?

The New York Times - Science

We looked at the camera.

Independent

We looked at one another.

The New York Times

We looked at Dickens.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We looked at personalization.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"That's what we looked at.

Independent

We looked at it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we looked at", ensure it's followed by a specific object or topic. For example, "We looked at the data" is clearer than "We looked at it."

Common error

Avoid using "we looked at it" without specifying what "it" refers to earlier in the sentence or in the immediate context. Vague pronoun reference can confuse readers. Provide the specific subject to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

"We looked at" functions as a verb phrase, typically followed by a noun phrase. It indicates the action of examining, considering, or reviewing something. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

2.5%

Wiki

2.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we looked at" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for expressing that something has been examined or considered. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for diverse contexts, ranging from formal reports to casual discussions. When employing this phrase, ensure that the object of examination is clearly specified to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "we considered" or "we examined" can be used to add nuance. "We looked at" is a phrase that’s used very often and is very common in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we considered

Replaces 'looked' with 'considered', emphasizing careful thought.

we examined

Replaces 'looked' with 'examined', suggesting a detailed inspection.

we reviewed

Replaces 'looked' with 'reviewed', implying a formal assessment.

we analyzed

Replaces 'looked' with 'analyzed', highlighting a systematic evaluation.

we investigated

Replaces 'looked' with 'investigated', suggesting a formal or official inquiry.

we studied

Replaces 'looked' with 'studied', implying a more in-depth analysis or learning process.

we assessed

Replaces 'looked' with 'assessed', focusing on evaluating the value or quality.

we explored

Replaces 'looked' with 'explored', suggesting an open-ended investigation.

we inspected

Replaces 'looked' with 'inspected', highlighting a close and careful examination.

we checked out

Offers a more informal alternative, replacing 'looked at' with 'checked out'.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "we looked at"?

You can use alternatives like "we considered", "we examined", or "we reviewed" depending on the context.

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

Ensure that "we looked at" is followed by the specific subject of your examination. For example: "We looked at the results of the experiment". Or “"we looked at each other"".

What is the difference between "we looked at" and "we saw"?

"We looked at" implies a deliberate act of examination or consideration, whereas "we saw" simply means we visually perceived something. Use "we looked at" when referring to an analysis or review.

Is "we looked over" a good alternative to "we looked at"?

While "we looked over" can sometimes be used interchangeably with "we looked at", it often implies a quicker or more superficial examination. "We looked at" is generally more neutral and can imply either a brief or thorough review.