look at
/lʊk æt/
Meaning
This basic phrasal verb primarily means to direct your eyes toward someone or something in order to see them. It can also mean to examine, inspect, read, or consider something carefully before making a decision.
Examples
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Look at the sky; the stars are beautiful tonight!
Look at the sky; the stars are beautiful tonight!
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The doctor needs to look at your throat before prescribing medicine.
The doctor needs to look at your throat before prescribing medicine.
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We are looking at different options for our next holiday.
We are looking at different options for our next holiday.
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She stood in front of the mirror, looking at her new haircut.
She stood in front of the mirror, looking at her new haircut.
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Can you look at my essay and tell me what you think?
Can you look at my essay and tell me what you think?
Common Mistakes
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✗ Look me!
✓ Look at me!
'Look' requires the preposition 'at' when it is followed by a direct object that you are viewing.
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✗ I am looking at the television.
✓ I am watching television.
Use 'watch' for screens, movies, or moving images, and 'look at' for static objects, pictures, or quick inspections.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Please ___ ___ the whiteboard while I explain the rule.
💡 Direct your eyes to the board.
Show answer
look at
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I need a mechanic to ___ ___ my car's engine.
💡 Examine or inspect.
Show answer
look at