# look into

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/look-into
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to investigate or examine something carefully.

For teachers: to investigate or examine a matter systematically; transitive phrasal verb requiring a direct object.

## Examples

- The police will look into the theft.
- HR is looking into complaints about the new scheduling system.
- A parliamentary committee has been appointed to look into allegations of misconduct within the ministry.

## Pitfalls

- Not "They are looking into solve the problem." but "They are looking into solving the problem." — after 'look into' use a noun or gerund, not an infinitive.

## Usage notes

- followed by a noun phrase referring to the issue or problem being examined.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'find out' (result-oriented) and 'research' (more formal); 'look into' emphasizes the process of investigation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.