Meaning
Used to draw attention to something visible.
Cultural Background
It is very common to point with the index finger while saying 'Look!'. It is considered helpful and direct. Pointing at people while saying 'Look!' (Mite!) is considered very rude. Use a flat hand gesture instead. In a queue (line), saying 'Look!' to someone cutting in can be a polite but firm way to start a confrontation. Pointing with the feet is a major taboo. If you say 'Look!' and point with your foot, it is a grave insult.
Use your hands
In English, 'Look!' is almost always more effective if you point at the object you want the person to see.
Don't over-use 'Look' in arguments
Starting every sentence with 'Look...' can make you sound impatient or rude to native speakers.
Meaning
Used to draw attention to something visible.
Use your hands
In English, 'Look!' is almost always more effective if you point at the object you want the person to see.
Don't over-use 'Look' in arguments
Starting every sentence with 'Look...' can make you sound impatient or rude to native speakers.
The 'Look at that' trick
If you want to sound very natural, say 'Look at that!' instead of just 'Look!'. It sounds more enthusiastic.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition.
Look ____ the beautiful sunset!
We always use 'look at' when we have a specific object we are watching.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You see a famous actor in a cafe. What do you say to your friend?
Since you are seeing the actor with your eyes, 'Look!' is the correct choice.
Which sentence uses 'Look' as a discourse marker to emphasize a point?
Choose the best option:
In this sentence, 'Look' is used to draw attention to an important fact, not a physical object.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'I can't find my phone!' B: '____! It's on the table right there.'
'Look!' is the most natural way to point out the location of a found object.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say 'Look!'
Nature
- • Animals
- • Rainbows
- • Stars
Social
- • Photos
- • New clothes
- • Funny signs
Safety
- • Cars
- • Steps
- • Wet floors
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLook ____ the beautiful sunset!
We always use 'look at' when we have a specific object we are watching.
You see a famous actor in a cafe. What do you say to your friend?
Since you are seeing the actor with your eyes, 'Look!' is the correct choice.
Choose the best option:
In this sentence, 'Look' is used to draw attention to an important fact, not a physical object.
A: 'I can't find my phone!' B: '____! It's on the table right there.'
'Look!' is the most natural way to point out the location of a found object.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's usually not rude. It's just a quick way to share something. However, don't shout it at strangers unless it's an emergency.
'Look' is an action you choose to do. 'See' is something that happens to your eyes automatically.
In some American dialects, people say 'Lookit!', but it's better for learners to stick to 'Look!' or 'Look at it!'.
It's a way to say 'Listen to me' or 'Pay attention to this important point'.
It's a bit too casual. Use 'As you can see on my resume...' instead.
No, use 'Smell this!' instead.
You can say 'Please observe' or 'Kindly note'.
Only if there is an object. 'Look!' (No object). 'Look at the car.' (Object).
It means 'Be careful!'—usually because something is about to hit you.
No, 'Look to' usually means to rely on someone or look toward the future.
Related Phrases
Check it out
similarLook at this interesting thing.
Watch out
specialized formBe careful.
Take a look
builds onExamine something.
Behold
similarLook at this amazing thing.
See?
similarDo you understand now?
