Understanding the English Phrasal Verb 'Look Into': Meaning and Usage

Welcome, English learners! Phrasal verbs can be tricky, but they are essential for sounding natural and fluent in English. Today, we're going to look into one very common and useful phrasal verb: "look into". Understanding how to use "look into" correctly will significantly enhance your communication skills. This English learning tip will help you investigate its meanings more deeply. In this post, we'll explore the definition of "look into", its grammatical structure, related synonyms, and give you a chance to practice. Get ready to add another powerful tool to your English vocabulary!

Table of Contents

• What Does 'Look Into' Mean?
• Structure with 'Look Into'
• Related Phrases and Synonyms
• Practice Time!
• Conclusion

What Does 'Look Into' Mean?

The phrasal verb "look into" primarily means to investigate, examine, or try to find out more information about something, such as a problem, a situation, a complaint, or a possibility. It implies a process of careful examination or inquiry to discover facts or details. When you look into something, you are essentially trying to understand it better by gathering information or studying it closely. This phrasal verb is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile addition to your vocabulary. It's a key phrase for anyone wanting to examine English phrases with practical applications.

More:

Structure with 'Look Into'

The phrasal verb "look into" is transitive, meaning it always requires an object (the thing being investigated or examined). It is also generally inseparable, so the words "look" and "into" stay together, followed by the object.

Here are the common structures and nuances of meaning:

1. To investigate or examine a problem, complaint, or situation

This is the most common usage of "look into". It means to try to discover the facts about something, typically a problem or something that has gone wrong, in order to find a solution or understand the cause.

• Structure: Subject + look into + [the problem/complaint/matter/situation]
• Example Sentences:
  1. "The police are going to look into the recent series of burglaries in the neighborhood."
  2. "Our manager promised to look into the customer's complaint about poor service immediately."

In these examples, "look into" signifies an official or serious attempt to find out more details and causes. It suggests a thorough examination.

2. To research or gather information about a topic or possibility

This usage implies exploring something to gain more knowledge or to assess its feasibility. It’s about making inquiries to make an informed decision or to understand a subject better. Learning to research verb meaning like this is crucial.

• Structure: Subject + look into + [a topic/possibility/solution/options]
• Example Sentences:
  1. "We need to look into various marketing strategies before launching the new product."
  2. "She decided to look into studying abroad for her master's degree to see if it was a viable option."

Here, "look into" means to explore and gather information. It’s less about solving an immediate problem and more about understanding potential paths or subjects.

3. To try to find out the truth about something specific, often a claim or an unexpected event

This meaning is closely related to investigation but can focus on verifying the truth or understanding the specifics of a particular event or statement.

• Structure: Subject + look into + [a claim/an accident/a discrepancy/the details]
• Example Sentences:
  1. "The committee will look into the allegations made against the official."
  2. "Could you look into why the figures in this report don't match the ones from last quarter?"

In this context, "look into" emphasizes the act of scrutinizing details to ascertain facts or find explanations. It's a crucial part of due diligence or problem-solving.

Understanding these nuances will help you use "look into" more precisely in your conversations and writing. Remember, the core idea is always about investigation and examination.

Related Phrases and Synonyms

While "look into" is a fantastic phrasal verb, knowing some synonyms can enrich your vocabulary and help you express similar ideas in different ways. Here are five synonyms for "look into", along with their meanings and examples:

Using these synonyms can add variety to your English. For instance, while you might look into a minor issue, authorities would investigate a serious crime. To examine something often implies a close physical or detailed inspection. To research is more academic or systematic, and to explore suggests looking at various options or new areas. Probe implies digging deeper, often into sensitive matters. This is a valuable English learning tip for expanding your expressive range when you explore phrasal verbs and their alternatives.

Practice Time!

Let's test your understanding of "look into" with a few questions. Choose the best answer for each.

Question 1: Which sentence uses "look into" correctly?

a) The mechanic will look the car into for the strange noise.

b) We need to look into this matter more carefully.

c) She looked the window into to see the garden.

d) Can you look into for my lost keys?

Correct answer: b

Question 2: What is the primary meaning of "look into"?

a) To glance quickly at something.

b) To ignore a problem.

c) To investigate or examine something.

d) To admire something from a distance.

Correct answer: c

Question 3: The manager said she would ___________ the customer's concerns.

a) look into

b) look over

c) look up

d) look at

Correct answer: a

Question 4: "The team needs to look into new software solutions." In this sentence, "look into" means:

a) To quickly view new software.

b) To research or explore new software options.

c) To install new software immediately.

d) To avoid using new software.

Correct answer: b

Explanation for answers:

• Question 1: Option 'b' is correct because "look into" is used as an inseparable phrasal verb followed by the object ("this matter"). Option 'a' incorrectly separates it. Option 'c' uses "look into" literally (peering into), which is not its primary phrasal verb meaning. Option 'd' uses "look into for" which is incorrect; one would say "look for my lost keys."
• Question 2: Option 'c' accurately describes the main function of "look into," which is to investigate or examine. The other options describe different actions.
• Question 3: Option 'a' ("look into") is the most appropriate phrasal verb for investigating concerns or complaints. "Look over" means to quickly examine. "Look up" means to search for information. "Look at" means to view.
• Question 4: Option 'b' correctly interprets "look into" in this context as researching or exploring possibilities, which aligns with one of its common uses discussed earlier.

Conclusion

Mastering phrasal verbs like "look into" is a significant step in your journey to English fluency. As we've seen, "look into" is a versatile and common phrasal verb primarily meaning to investigate or examine. Understanding its structure (Subject + look into + Object) and its various applications in contexts like problem-solving, research, and inquiry will greatly benefit your communication. Don't just learn it; use it! Practice incorporating "look into" into your speaking and writing. The more you use it, the more natural it will become. Keep exploring and happy learning!