Check this out vs Get a load of this vs Look at this

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

Check this out

InformalTop 2,000 (common)

Get a load of this

InformalTop 5,000 (fairly common)

Look at this

Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Look at this
 Check this outGet a load of thisLook at this
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //ˈtʃɛk ðɪs aʊt//🇺🇸 //ˈtʃɛk ðɪs aʊt//🇬🇧 //ɡɛt ə ləʊd əv ðɪs//🇺🇸 //ɡɛt ə loʊd əv ðɪs//🇬🇧 //lʊk æt ðɪs//🇺🇸 //lʊk æt ðɪs//
MeaningLook at this.Look at this or pay attention to this.Please see this.
ExampleWow, check this out, I just found this amazing book!Get a load of this amazing painting I found!Look at this beautiful sunset!
RegisterInformalInformalNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 5,000 (fairly common)Top 2,000 (common)
Collocationscheck this out now, check this out later, let's check this out, you should check this out, make sure to check this outget a load of this video, get a load of this news, get a load of this trendlook at this picture, look at this problem, look at this example
Antonyms--ignore this, overlook this, disregard this
Common mistakesConfused with 'check out this' - remember to use the exact phrase., Used too formally in business contexts - stick to casual conversations.Used in formal contexts when it's too casual., Omitting 'get' and using only 'a load of this'., Misunderstanding the tone, thinking it's always negative.'Look at this' is often confused with 'Look this.', 'Look at' should not be used with vague objects like 'it' without context.
Usage notesCommonly used among friends or in casual settings. Avoid in formal situations. It expresses excitement or interest in sharing something.Used in casual situations to grab someone's attention, often when showing something interesting or surprising.Use when drawing attention to something. Avoid in very formal contexts or when you need to be indirect.

See it in real clips

Check this out
Get a load of this
Look at this

Frequently asked questions: Check this out vs Get a load of this vs Look at this

What's the difference between Check this out, Get a load of this, and Look at this?

Check this out: Look at this. Get a load of this: Look at this or pay attention to this. Look at this: Please see this.

Which is more formal: Check this out, Get a load of this, 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! Get a load of this: Get a load of this amazing painting I found! Look at this: Look at this beautiful sunset!

Can I use Check this out, Get a load of this, and Look at this interchangeably?

Not always. Check this out, Get a load of this, 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.

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