look
Use “look” when your eyes focus on something. In this case, “look” is an action verb:
- What are you looking at?
- Look over there at that!
- I looked over the reports and didn’t find any problems.
- Hey, look! There’s a balloon.
You can also use “look” to talk about an opinion or an appearance or an impression. In this case, “look” is a stative verb (nonaction).
- You look tired. (This is my opinion.)
- That looks difficult.
- The work he’s doing looks dangerous.
look
a. Use "look" as an action verb.
When there’s some thought behind directing one’s eyes to a particular area the verb “look” is an action verb.
- Look at that.
- What are you looking at?
- I’m looking at the person across the street.
- Maria is looking through the newspaper.
- Look over there. Do you see that?
A person who looks for something might also be trying to find it.
- Jeff is looking for a new apartment.
- The woman outside of her apartment is looking for her keys.
- We’re looking for a used car to replace the one we have now.
- If you need to buy milk at the grocery store, look in the dairy section.
- The police are looking for someone who stole some jewelry.
- I need to go to the library to look for a book.
- She’s looking at some beautiful flowers. (Her eyes are focused on the flowers.)
- He’s looking for something on the internet. (He needs information.)
b. Use "look" as a nonaction verb.
A nonaction verb is also called a stative verb or it could be a linking verb.
- That looks interesting.
- They look very happy.
- My supervisor looked unhappy when I told him the news.
- The economy looks like it’s headed towards a recession.
- You look frustrated. What’s wrong?
- My students look like they’re bored. (The word “like” is often used with “look.”)
- That woman looks like Jennifer Lopez. (She has a strong resemblance to someone famous.)
- That looks very interesting.
- Downtown Chicago looks great at this time of year.
- She looks very pretty.
- She looks like she’s happy.
c. Use "look" as part of a phrasal verb.
Phrasal verbs combine a verb with a preposition to create different meanings:
- You have to look out. (look out = be careful)
- Henry is looking after his friend’s kids this weekend. (look after = take care of; monitor; watch)
- We’re looking forward to a long weekend. (look forward to = have a good feeling about a future event or activity)
- Look me up when you’re in town next time. (look one up = try to contact)
- We all look up to Jeremy because he’s a man of integrity. (look up to = admire and respect)
d. expressions that use "look"
People use “believe” of some form of this word when they express anger happiness, sadness, or frustration.
- Look alive! The boss is coming. (Your behavior should display activity because a person in authority will see you doing nothing.)
- Look out! I’m coming through. (look out = be watchful)
- You really should try to look on the bright side. (Try to find something good among the things that are bad.)
- I’m going to take a look-see at the new building. (a look-see = a visit or an inspection of something new or unusual)
- Benjamin looks sharp in his new suit. (look sharp = to have a distinguished or professional appearance)
- The teacher gave the student a dirty look. (a dirty look = to look at someone with displeasure or scorn because of bad behavior or some other cause)
- Look. The invention of artificial intelligence is a technology that we are going to have to live with. (The word “look” is often used at the beginning of a sentence in which a person is trying to make a point or identify something that’s important.)
- She’s giving someone a dirty look because of something he said.
- He looks sharp in his new suit.
e. Use "look" as a noun.
The word “look” is a popular noun when talking about a person’s appearance.
- Her hairstyle gives her a new look.
- That’s an interesting look.
- Let me have a look at that.
- Renee asked one of her employees to take a look at some reports.
- The man on trial gave a look at the witness which he will never forget. (a look = a cold stare)
- That look is kind of outdated. (look = style)
- She too focused on her looks. (looks = appearance)
- When Bob thinks of a good marriage partner, he’s not entirely concerned about looks.
- Looks are not always important.
- He’s going for a new look with this haircut.
- Arriving late to work all the time is not a good look.