Take a look at vs This is __

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Take a look at

Top 2,000 (common)

This is __

High-frequency chunk
Most common: This is __
 Take a look atThis is __
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //teɪk ə lʊk æt//🇺🇸 //teɪk ə lʊk æt//🇬🇧 //ðɪs ɪz//🇺🇸 //ðɪs ɪz//
MeaningTo see or examine something.Used to introduce or explain something.
ExampleCould you take a look at my report before I submit it?This is my favorite book.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)High-frequency chunk
Collocationstake a look at, take a quick look at, take a closer look at, take another look at, take a second look atThis is how, This is why, This is important, This is called
Common mistakesOmitting 'a look' and saying just 'take a' instead., Confusing with 'look at' which changes the structure., Using in a command form without context, e.g., just saying 'take a look.'Using 'this' without a clear subject., Confusing with 'that' when referring to something further away., Not following up with a complete thought or explanation.
Usage notesUsed in informal and formal contexts; often invites someone to observe something, typically used in casual conversations.Commonly used in conversation to provide information or clarification. It's appropriate in both formal and informal settings.

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This is __

Frequently asked questions: Take a look at vs This is __

What's the difference between Take a look at and This is __?

Take a look at: To see or examine something. This is __: Used to introduce or explain something.

Which is more common: Take a look at and This is __?

This is __ is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Take a look at: Could you take a look at my report before I submit it? This is __: This is my favorite book.

Can I use Take a look at and This is __ interchangeably?

Not always. Take a look at and This is __ 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.

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