Cool MateCheck this out vs Look at this
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Check this out
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Look at this
Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Look at this
| Check this out | Look at this | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈtʃɛk ðɪs aʊt//🇺🇸 //ˈtʃɛk ðɪs aʊt// | 🇬🇧 //lʊk æt ðɪs//🇺🇸 //lʊk æt ðɪs// |
| Meaning | Look at this. | Please see this. |
| Example | Wow, check this out, I just found this amazing book! | Look at this beautiful sunset! |
| 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 this picture, look at this problem, look at this example |
| Antonyms | - | ignore this, overlook this, disregard this |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'check out this' - remember to use the exact phrase., Used too formally in business contexts - stick to casual conversations. | 'Look at this' is often confused with 'Look this.', 'Look at' should not be used with vague objects like 'it' without context. |
| Usage notes | Commonly used among friends or in casual settings. Avoid in formal situations. It expresses excitement or interest in sharing something. | Use when drawing attention to something. Avoid in very formal contexts or when you need to be indirect. |
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Frequently asked questions: Check this out vs Look at this
What's the difference between Check this out and Look at this?
Check this out: Look at this. Look at this: Please see this.
Which is more formal: Check this out and Look at this?
Look at this 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 this: Look at this beautiful sunset!
Can I use Check this out and Look at this interchangeably?
Not always. Check this out and Look at this 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.