look over — examine quickly
phrasal verbB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
To quickly check or review something, usually to find mistakes or get a general idea.
Say it like a native
Textbook Could you briefly peruse my report before I submit it?
Native Could you look over my report before I send it?
'Look over' is the natural verb for a quick check. 'Peruse' actually means read carefully (and sounds pompous).
Pattern: look over + noun
In use
- I need to look over my essay before I hand it in.study
- Before the exam, I always look over my notes to refresh my memory.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ Can you look over of my essay?
✓ Can you look over my essay?
'Look over + thing' directly — no 'of'.
Common collocations
look over— my essay, the contract, the figures, it quickly
Don't confuse it
'Look over' means to check quickly, while 'go over' can mean to check in more detail.