Cool MateCheck this out vs Look at that
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Check this out
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Look at that
Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Look at that
| Check this out | Look at that | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈtʃɛk ðɪs aʊt//🇺🇸 //ˈtʃɛk ðɪs aʊt// | 🇬🇧 //lʊk æt ðæt//🇺🇸 //lʊk æt ðæt// |
| Meaning | Look at this. | See that thing. |
| Example | Wow, check this out, I just found this amazing book! | Wow, **look at that** beautiful painting! |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | check this out now, check this out later, let's check this out, you should check this out, make sure to check this out | look at that view, look at that picture, look at that problem |
| Antonyms | - | ignore that, overlook that, disregard that |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'check out this' - remember to use the exact phrase., Used too formally in business contexts - stick to casual conversations. | Saying 'look at that' when it's not necessary to draw attention., Using it in overly formal situations., Confusing it with similar phrases like 'check this out' which is more informal. |
| Usage notes | Commonly used among friends or in casual settings. Avoid in formal situations. It expresses excitement or interest in sharing something. | Used to draw attention to something. Suitable in casual conversations or when pointing out something interesting. |
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Frequently asked questions: Check this out vs Look at that
What's the difference between Check this out and Look at that?
Check this out: Look at this. Look at that: See that thing.
Which is more formal: Check this out and Look at that?
Look at that is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
Check this out: Wow, check this out, I just found this amazing book! Look at that: Wow, **look at that** beautiful painting!
Can I use Check this out and Look at that interchangeably?
Not always. Check this out and Look at that 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.