Cool MateCheck this out vs Look at this vs You see this
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Check this out
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Look at this
Top 2,000 (common)
You see this
Top 3,000 (common)
| Check this out | Look at this | You see this | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈtʃɛk ðɪs aʊt//🇺🇸 //ˈtʃɛk ðɪs aʊt// | 🇬🇧 //lʊk æt ðɪs//🇺🇸 //lʊk æt ðɪs// | 🇬🇧 //juː siː ðɪs//🇺🇸 //ju si ðɪs// |
| Meaning | Look at this. | Please see this. | You notice or observe this. |
| Example | Wow, check this out, I just found this amazing book! | Look at this beautiful sunset! | You see this beautiful sunset over the ocean. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| Collocations | check this out now, check this out later, let's check this out, you should check this out, make sure to check this out | look at this picture, look at this problem, look at this example | You see this example, You see this trend, You see this clearly |
| Antonyms | - | ignore this, overlook this, disregard this | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'check out this' - remember to use the exact phrase., Used too formally in business contexts - stick to casual conversations. | 'Look at this' is often confused with 'Look this.', 'Look at' should not be used with vague objects like 'it' without context. | Using it in overly formal situations where a more specific description is needed., Omitting the subject in discussions where clarity is required. |
| Usage notes | Commonly used among friends or in casual settings. Avoid in formal situations. It expresses excitement or interest in sharing something. | Use when drawing attention to something. Avoid in very formal contexts or when you need to be indirect. | Used to draw attention to something. Appropriate in both spoken and written contexts, but may feel informal in formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Check this out vs Look at this vs You see this
What's the difference between Check this out, Look at this, and You see this?
Check this out: Look at this. Look at this: Please see this. You see this: You notice or observe this.
Can you show an example of each?
Check this out: Wow, check this out, I just found this amazing book! Look at this: Look at this beautiful sunset! You see this: You see this beautiful sunset over the ocean.
Can I use Check this out, Look at this, and You see this interchangeably?
Not always. Check this out, Look at this, and You see this are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.