Cool MateExamine vs Look at it
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Examine
Top 2,000 (common)B1verb
Look at it
Top 2,000 (common)
| Examine | Look at it | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪɡˈzæmɪn/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnz/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnd/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪɡˈzæmɪn/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnz/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnd/","/ɪɡˈzæmɪnɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //lʊk æt ɪt//🇺🇸 //lʊk æt ɪt// |
| Meaning | to look at something carefully to learn more about it | To pay attention to something visually. |
| Example | The doctor will examine your health thoroughly during the check-up. | Please, look at it carefully before you decide. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | carefully, closely, in detail, aim to, attempt to, be designed to, for, let us examine…, carefully, closely, in detail, aim to, attempt to, be designed to, for, let us examine… | look at it closely, look at it again, look at it differently, look at it in detail, look at it right now |
| Antonyms | ignore, overlook, neglect | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'inspect' — 'examine' is broader than just checking for flaws., Misusing the tense — should use 'examined' for past actions, not 'examine'., Incorrect prepositions — do not say 'examine to' but 'examine for' in some contexts. | Confuse with 'look for it' which means to search instead of observe., Use 'look at it' instead of 'look at this' when referring to something nearby. |
| Usage notes | Use 'examine' in formal contexts like academic writing or professional discussions. It may sound out of place in casual conversations, where 'look at' might be preferred. | Use 'look at it' in everyday conversation for noticing or directing someone's attention. Avoid in formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Examine vs Look at it
What's the difference between Examine and Look at it?
Examine: to look at something carefully to learn more about it Look at it: To pay attention to something visually.
Can you show an example of each?
Examine: The doctor will examine your health thoroughly during the check-up. Look at it: Please, look at it carefully before you decide.
Can I use Examine and Look at it interchangeably?
Not always. Examine and Look at it 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.