look-over
C1Informal, mainly spoken and business.
Definition
Meaning
A quick, casual examination or inspection of something.
A brief, often superficial review of documents, objects, or a situation; can also refer to a medical examination in informal contexts.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun, though the phrasal verb "look over" (two words) is more common. As a noun, it implies a less thorough check than "inspection" or "review."
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in American English, but understood and used in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral to slightly informal. In both varieties, it suggests speed and lack of detail.
Frequency
Moderate frequency in business/informal contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
give [NP] a look-overhave a look-over at [NP]need a look-overVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “give it the once-over (synonymous)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"Can you give these figures a quick look-over before the meeting?"
Academic
Rare; more likely "review" or "scan."
Everyday
"I'll just have a look-over at your essay to spot any obvious errors."
Technical
Uncommon; specific technical terms like 'diagnostic check' or 'visual inspection' are preferred.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I'll look over the contract this afternoon.
- Could you look my application over for mistakes?
American English
- I'll look over the proposal tonight.
- He looked the car over before buying it.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher gave our homework a quick look-over.
- Can I have a look-over at your notes?
- Before submitting, give your report a final look-over for typos.
- The mechanic promised a free look-over of the engine.
- The auditor's initial look-over revealed several discrepancies in the ledger.
- A cursory look-over of the manuscript wasn't sufficient for a proper review.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
LOOK + OVER = looking your eyes OVER something quickly.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXAMINING IS SEEING (OVER SOMETHING).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'смотреть сверху' ('to look from above'). The correct sense is 'быстро просмотреть/проверить'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I will look-over it' - incorrect; correct: 'I will look it over' or 'I will give it a look-over').
- Confusing it with 'overlook' (which means to fail to notice).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'look-over' correctly as a noun?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily a noun (e.g., 'give it a look-over'). The verb form is the phrasal verb 'look over' (two words).
'Look over' means to examine. 'Overlook' has two meanings: 1) to fail to notice something, or 2) to have a view over something (e.g., a balcony overlooks the garden). They are opposites in one sense!
It is informal. In formal writing, prefer 'review', 'examination', or 'inspection'.
Yes, informally, especially in medical contexts (e.g., 'The doctor gave him a quick look-over'). It can sound slightly objectifying outside such contexts.