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look at

A2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To turn your eyes toward something, or to think about or study something.

Literal meaning: To direct your gaze (look) in the direction of (at) something.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To direct your eyes toward something so that you see it.

"Look at that beautiful sunset — I've never seen the sky that colour before."

Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 neutral

To examine, consider, or study something — often with the aim of understanding or making a decision.

"The committee will look at the proposal and give their response next week."

Grammar: inseparable
3 A2 informal

(Informal) Used to draw attention to a situation as an example or evidence.

"Look at what happened to the company after they cut their research budget."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

One of the most fundamental and frequent phrases in English. Used for both literal (visual) and figurative (intellectual consideration) meanings. Also used in imperative instructions: 'Look at this!' Very common as an opener in discussions: 'Let's look at the data.'

Commonly used with

data problem picture screen results situation

Forms

Base
look at
I/you/we/they
3rd person
looks at
he/she/it
Past simple
looked at
yesterday
Past participle
looked at
have + pp
-ing form
looking at
continuous

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