Cool MateCheck it out first vs Take a look
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Check it out first
InformalTop 3,000 (common)
Take a look
Top 1,000 (very common)
Most formal: Take a lookMost common: Take a look
| Check it out first | Take a look | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //tʃɛk ɪt aʊt fɜːst//🇺🇸 //tʃɛk ɪt aʊt fɜrst// | 🇬🇧 //teɪk ə lʊk//🇺🇸 //teɪk ə lʊk// |
| Meaning | Look at or examine something before deciding. | To glance at something. |
| Example | Before you buy that phone, you should check it out first. | Can you take a look at this report? |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| Collocations | check out a website, check out something new, check out the menu | take a closer look, take a quick look, take a look over, take a second look, take a look at |
| Common mistakes | Using in overly formal contexts., Confusing with 'check it' which lacks the meaning of examining., Omitting 'it' can make the phrase unclear. | Using 'take a look' without a specific object., Confusing 'take a look' with 'have a look'., Using 'take a look' in very formal contexts. |
| Usage notes | Commonly used in casual conversations among friends or peers. Avoid in formal settings. | Used in casual conversation and written contexts to suggest someone should observe or consider something. |
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Frequently asked questions: Check it out first vs Take a look
What's the difference between Check it out first and Take a look?
Check it out first: Look at or examine something before deciding. Take a look: To glance at something.
Which is more formal: Check it out first and Take a look?
Take a look is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Check it out first and Take a look?
Take a look is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Check it out first: Before you buy that phone, you should check it out first. Take a look: Can you take a look at this report?
Can I use Check it out first and Take a look interchangeably?
Not always. Check it out first and Take a look are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.