Phrasal verb
look at
Definition
phrasal verb. to direct your eyes toward something to see it. You use this when you want to focus your attention on an object or person.
phrasal verb. to direct one's gaze toward an object or person to perceive it visually. Always takes a direct object.
Examples
“Please look at the board.”
“The students look at the map to find the capital city.”
“When you look at the evidence presented, the conclusion becomes difficult to ignore.”
Examples
simple
“Please look at the board.”
contextual
“The students look at the map to find the capital city.”
complex
“When you look at the evidence presented, the conclusion becomes difficult to ignore.”
Usage
The phrasal verb is transitive and requires a direct object after the preposition 'at'.
Pitfall
look the picture
look at the picture
The verb 'look' is intransitive and requires the preposition 'at' to connect to an object.
Confusables
Look at directs the eyes toward something visible, while look for is the act of searching for something missing.
RememberLook at the view; look for your keys.
Look at is the act of directing your eyes toward a stationary target; watch is the act of observing something in motion or progress over time.
RememberLook at a photo; watch a film.
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
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