The phrasal verb "look at" is widely used in both informal and formal contexts, although it tends to be more common in conversational and informal settings. In informal speech, "look at" can be used literally, as in "Look at this!", to direct someone’s attention to something. It can also be employed metaphorically to suggest examining or considering something, as in "Let's look at the options." In formal contexts, "look at" often appears in writing or speech to indicate analysis or scrutiny, such as "The report looks at several factors..." The versatility of "look at" allows it to be applied in various domains, including education, business, and everyday dialogue, making it a valuable tool for directing attention or analysis in different scenarios. Overall, its use is widespread because it is straightforward and easily understood across different levels of communication.
A2
Beginner
1. To direct one's gaze to see something or someone.
She looked at the painting for a long time, admiring the details.
Please look at the board to follow the teacher's explanation.
2. To read or examine closely.
I need to look at these documents before we proceed with the meeting.
Can you look at this math problem and help me solve it?