How to use "look into"

What Does "look into" Mean?

• The phrasal verb "look into" means to investigate, examine, or inquire about something. It suggests a process of gathering information or trying to understand a particular situation or topic.
• The meaning is semi-idiomatic. While "look" generally refers to directing one's gaze, "into" adds the nuance of deeper investigation or examination.
• Register: Neutral

How to Use It

• Grammatical pattern: verb + preposition. "Look" is the verb, and "into" is the preposition.
• Typical objects: problems, issues, complaints, possibilities, suggestions, matters, questions, or anything that requires investigation.
• The components cannot be separated. You cannot say "look the problem into." The preposition "into" must directly follow the verb "look."
• What sounds unnatural: Using the wrong preposition (e.g., "look at it" when you mean to investigate), using a different verb (e.g., "see into"), or separating the verb and preposition.

Real-World Examples

"I'll look into it." — The New York Times - Magazine

"We'll look into it." — The New Yorker

"They look into numbers." — Los Angeles Times

"Look into life insurance." — WikiHow

"Look into alternative routes." — WikiHow

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/look+into

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
investigate	More formal; suggests a systematic and thorough examination.
examine	Formal; implies a careful and detailed inspection.
check out	More informal; suggests a quick inspection.
explore	Suggests a broader inquiry, often into possibilities or options.
research	Implies a systematic and scholarly investigation.
delve into	Suggests a deep and thorough exploration.
inquire about	Formal; focuses on seeking information.

Common Mistakes

• A common mistake is separating the verb and preposition, such as saying "look the issue into" instead of "look into the issue."
• Using the wrong preposition, such as saying "look at" instead of "look into" when meaning to investigate something.
• Using a verb that doesn't convey the meaning of investigation, such as "see into" when you mean to investigate.

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Meaning	Grammatical Pattern	Register
look into	To investigate or examine something	verb + preposition + (object)	Neutral

FAQs

Can I separate the words in "look into"?

No, the phrasal verb "look into" is inseparable. The preposition "into" must directly follow the verb "look" when you mean to investigate. It's incorrect to say things like "look the problem into."

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How is "look into" different from "look at"?

While both involve the verb "look," "look at" simply means to direct your gaze towards something. "Look into," on the other hand, means to investigate or examine something more deeply, implying a process of inquiry.

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What's a common mistake when using "look into," and how can I correct it?

A common mistake is using the wrong preposition, such as saying "look at" instead of "look into" when meaning to investigate something. To correct this, always ensure you use "look into" when you want to express the idea of investigation or examination. For example, say "I will look into the matter," not "I will look at the matter" if you intend to investigate it.