The phrasal verb "scope out" is predominantly used in informal contexts, as it conveys a casual method of exploration or investigation. It is often used when someone is assessing a situation, person, or place with a preliminary visual examination. Common contexts include casual conversations about checking out a new restaurant, looking over potential real estate, or figuring out the dynamics of a social setting. For example, someone might say, "I'm going to scope out the new cafe tomorrow," meaning they intend to visit and evaluate it. "Scope out" carries a sense of purposefulness and intent, often implying a level of judgment or decision-making following the initial examination. It's less likely to be used in formal or academic settings, where terms like "evaluate" or "assess" may be preferred.
B2
UpperIntermediate
1. To look at or examine something carefully in order to learn more about it.
They scoped out the new restaurant before deciding to dine there.
Before the heist, the thieves scoped out the bank to identify security weaknesses.
2. To assess or evaluate a situation or environment to gather information.
The marketing team scoped out the competition to strategize their campaign.
Before choosing a site for the new store, they scoped out the neighborhood demographics.
3. To observe or check someone out to get more information about them.
She scoped out the new intern to see if he would fit well with the team.
I scoped out the guy my friend wanted to date to make sure he seemed trustworthy.
