SpeakUp

Grammar fix

have a look

see/check/examine

to look at something quickly or to check it, often to get information or to decide what to do next

collocationB1core

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • Can you have a look at my essay before I hand it in?daily life
  • If I don't understand something in class, I usually have a look at my notes again when I get home.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: have a look (at something)

WrongLet me have a look it.

RightLet me have a look at it.

'Have a look AT something' — don't drop 'at'.

Patternhave a look (at something)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff Allow me to examine it momentarily.

Natural Let me have a look.

'Have a look' is the everyday 'let me see'; 'examine it momentarily' is stiff.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • have a look (at)
    atquickproperaround

Don't confuse it

'Have a look' is less formal than 'examine' and more common in spoken English than 'take a look' in British English.

Try it in Daily Speak →