Quick Definition
Look Into — To investigate or examine something carefully; to research or enquire about a matter.
Meanings of Look Into
| Meaning | Example Sentence | Notes / Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Investigate a problem | The police are looking into the incident. | Formally examine a complaint, crime, or issue. |
| Research a topic | I'll look into the best routes for our trip. | Research or gather information on a subject. |
| Consider an option | We should look into alternative suppliers. | Explore a possibility before making a decision. |
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Meaning in Context |
|---|---|
| We will look into your complaint immediately. | Formal promise to investigate a customer issue. |
| She looked into several universities before choosing one. | Researched options carefully. |
| The committee is looking into ways to reduce costs. | Examining possible solutions or strategies. |
| Can you look into why the system crashed? | Asking someone to investigate a technical issue. |
| He spent the afternoon looking into the history of the building. | Researching background information. |
| The journalist looked into the company's financial records. | Investigated documents for a news story. |
| I'm looking into evening classes to improve my French. | Exploring a personal option or opportunity. |
Grammar Notes
Separability & Transitivity
Type: Inseparable | Transitivity: Transitive
Inseparable: The preposition into cannot be separated from look. The object always follows into.
Correct: look into the matter / look into it
Incorrect: look the matter into
Passive: Can be used passively: The matter is being looked into.
How to Use Look Into
Neutral to slightly formal. Equally at home in professional emails, official statements, and everyday speech. Common in complaint responses and business communication.
| Register | Example / Notes |
|---|---|
| Formal / Written | The authorities have agreed to look into the allegations. |
| Neutral / Professional | I'll look into the options and get back to you. |
| Informal / Spoken | Can you look into what's wrong with the printer? |
| Formal alternative | Investigate / Examine / Enquire into |
Similar Phrasal Verbs
Practise Look Into
Practice English Phrasal Verbs
Use these exercises to master phrasal verbs in context:
Frequently Asked Questions about Look Into
What does "look into" mean?
"Look into" means to investigate, examine, or research something carefully. For example: The police are looking into the matter. It is an inseparable transitive phrasal verb at CEFR B1.
Is "look into" separable or inseparable?
"Look into" is inseparable. You cannot place an object between "look" and "into". Say look into the problem, never look the problem into. With pronouns, the object still follows "into": look into it.
How do I use "look into" in a sentence?
We will look into the complaint as soon as possible. I'm looking into courses for next year. The object always follows "into".
What is the register of "look into"?
"Look into" is neutral to slightly formal. It is common in professional, academic, and official contexts. "Investigate" or "examine" are more formal single-word equivalents, but "look into" is widely accepted in business communication.
What CEFR level is "look into"?
"Look into" is a B1 — Intermediate phrasal verb. It is frequently encountered in professional emails, news articles, and academic writing at this level.
What is the difference between "look into" and "find out"?
"Look into" describes the process of investigating — the ongoing action of examining something. "Find out" focuses on the result — discovering a fact or answer. You look into a problem; you find out the answer. One is the process, the other is the outcome.
Can "look into" be used formally?
Yes, "look into" is widely used in formal contexts: We will look into your complaint immediately. In very formal legal or academic documents, "investigate" or "examine" may be preferred, but "look into" is never out of place in professional writing.
Does "look into" take an object?
Yes, "look into" is transitive and always requires an object after "into": look into the matter, look into it. You cannot use it without an object.
How can I practise "look into"?
Use LexFizz's Flip Tiles and Find the Match exercises to practise "look into" in real sentence contexts. Contrast it with "look up" and "find out" to sharpen your understanding of similar investigation phrasal verbs.
Is "look into" used differently in British and American English?
"Look into" is used identically in British and American English. Both use it in professional, journalistic, and everyday contexts. There are no significant differences in meaning or frequency between the two varieties.