have a look

Meaning

This expression means to examine, inspect, or check something quickly. It is highly common in casual, spoken English, particularly in British, Australian, and Canadian English. It sounds friendly and collaborative, often used when offering help or asking for an opinion.

Examples

• Could you have a look at my essay and tell me what you think?

  Could you have a look at my essay and tell me what you think?

• I'll have a look under the car hood to see what's making that noise.

  I'll have a look under the car hood to see what's making that noise.

• Let's have a look at the map to find the quickest route to the beach.

  Let's have a look at the map to find the quickest route to the beach.

• The doctor needs to have a look at your throat before prescribing medicine.

  The doctor needs to have a look at your throat before prescribing medicine.

• I was just having a look around the store, but I didn't buy anything.

  I was just having a look around the store, but I didn't buy anything.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Can you make a look at my computer? It is not working.

  ✓ Can you have a look at my computer? It is not working.

  The correct collocation is 'have a look' (or 'take a look'), never 'make a look'.

• ✗ I need to have a look to your car engine.

  ✓ I need to have a look at your car engine.

  Use the preposition 'at' after 'have a look' when specifying the object you are examining.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Could you ___ at this report before I send it to the boss?

  💡 examine or check quickly

  Show answer

  have a look

• I'm going to ___ in the fridge to see if we have any milk.

  💡 search or check

  Show answer

  have a look