A1high_frequency_chunk

Look

UK /["/lʊk/","/lʊks/","/lʊkt/","/ˈlʊkɪŋ/"]/US /["/lʊk/","/lʊks/","/lʊkt/","/ˈlʊkɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to turn your eyes in a particular direction

In simple words: To use your eyes to see something.

Examples

  • Please look at the sky; it's so beautiful today.
  • She asked him to look after her cat while she was on vacation.
  • Can you look this document over and check for errors?
  • He has a serious look on his face during the meeting.
  • If you look closely, you can see the details in the painting.

Usage notes

Use 'look' when referring to the action of seeing. It is appropriate in both casual and formal contexts, but can become less formal in expressions like 'look here' or 'look out'.

Grammar pattern

look + at + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'lookout' on a mountain who uses their eyes to see everything below.

Collocations

  • carefully
  • closely
  • briefly
  • turn to
  • let somebody
  • at
  • towards/​toward
  • look and see
  • make somebody/​something
  • like
  • to
  • look as if
  • look as though
  • make somebody/​something
  • like
  • to
  • look as if
  • look as though
  • make somebody/​something
  • like
  • to
  • look as if
  • look as though

Synonyms

  • gaze
  • watch
  • glance
  • peer
  • stare

Antonyms

  • ignore
  • overlook
  • disregard

Common mistakes

  • 'Look' misused instead of 'see' when talking about understanding something.
  • Using 'look' without a preposition when speaking about observing (should be 'look at').
  • Confusing 'look' with 'watch' when referring to a focused activity.