to take a look
∞
1.3
- phrasal verb
:
echar un vistazo
- If you're unsure about the project details, I suggest you take a look at the report.
- let's take a look
- take a look around
- go take a look
OK, then let's go and take a look at the blue points.
- OK, then let's go and take a look at the blue points.
- OK, let's take a look at what this might mean.
Examples
-
So let's take a look at the first one.
-
"I just read this book, and I think you may want to take a look at it."
Academic text (2013) -
So first up, we're going to take a look at this.
-
But man, just take a look at this.
-
Here, come and take a look at this.
-
Hey, guys, take a look.
-
I think we should take a look at it again and maybe change it.
Academic text (2003) -
Now let's take a look at some of the data.
-
So let's take a look at our tools.
-
Let's take a look at the specials.
Synonyms
∞
1.0
To notice something with your eyes
∞
1.0
To direct the eyes toward something to see it
∞
1.0
Study something carefully to understand it or decide
∞
1.0
To look at something carefully for some time
∞
1.0
To look at something carefully to understand it
868
2.5
To look at something carefully to find facts or problems
670
2.4
To look at someone or something carefully to understand it
642
2.5
To check something carefully, like papers or work
619
2.4
To watch something carefully to learn about it
573
2.8
Examine something carefully to find out more
552
1.0
Turn your head and eyes to see what is around you
412
1.3
To check something carefully, for example an essay or a machine
357
1.0
To look at something carefully
299
1.5
To look quickly at someone or something
202
2.5
To look at something carefully to check if it works or is safe
180
2.8
To read or check something carefully for mistakes
150
2.0
Look quickly at someone or something
127
2.7
To look quickly to find specific information
59
3.7
To see someone or something for the first time after a long time
48
3.7
To look carefully at something to learn about it
33
3.7
To look closely at one part to see small details
32
7.0
To read something slowly and carefully to understand it
28
5.5
To study things like books or papers carefully to find information
24
8.4
Tell someone to look at something surprising or interesting
18
5.4
To look carefully at a place or person to get information before you act
18
3.2
Look at something quickly without reading it carefully
16
6.3
To look quickly through something to find an item or fact
10
8.2
To look quickly and casually at something you are curious about
1
7.4
To look quickly to check if something is okay
To look quickly at something
To have a quick look at something because you are curious
Antonyms
How Closely
Surface Forms
Morphology
take + a + look
The meaning 'to look at or examine' is directly and compositionally derived from combining 'take' (perform/get) with the noun 'a look' (a brief act of looking) — a common English light-verb construction. This pattern is frequent and has clear parallels in many languages, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words would readily infer the MWE meaning.
Etymology
The phrase take a look creates a simple picture: you take (grab) a look as if it were a small thing you can pick up to check. That's why it means 'to look at' or 'check' something, often briefly.