Cool MateCheck this out vs Look at this vs Watch 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)
Watch this
Top 2,000 (common)
| Check this out | Look at this | Watch this | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈtʃɛk ðɪs aʊt//🇺🇸 //ˈtʃɛk ðɪs aʊt// | 🇬🇧 //lʊk æt ðɪs//🇺🇸 //lʊk æt ðɪs// | 🇬🇧 //wɒtʃ ðɪs//🇺🇸 //wɑtʃ ðɪs// |
| Meaning | Look at this. | Please see this. | Look at this. |
| Example | Wow, check this out, I just found this amazing book! | Look at this beautiful sunset! | Watch this amazing performance by the dancers. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (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 | watch closely, watch carefully, watch intently |
| 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. | Using without making it clear what to watch., Assuming it's always a command; can be a suggestion., Confusing with 'Watch that' which is more specific. |
| 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. | Used to attract someone's attention to something. Suitable in most casual to formal situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Check this out vs Look at this vs Watch this
What's the difference between Check this out, Look at this, and Watch this?
Check this out: Look at this. Look at this: Please see this. Watch this: Look at this.
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! Watch this: Watch this amazing performance by the dancers.
Can I use Check this out, Look at this, and Watch this interchangeably?
Not always. Check this out, Look at this, and Watch 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.