What are the definitions of “look into”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Research, investigate.
We'll LOOK INTO the problem and come back to you when we have the information.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “look into”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb look into is to research or investigate something. It means to try to find more information about a subject or a problem to understand it better.
What are the different verb forms of “look into”?
| Root Verb | look into |
| Third Person Singular Present | looks into |
| Present Participle | looking into |
| Simple Past | looked into |
| Past Participle | looked into |
Example
I will look into the issue and get back to you.
Example
She looks into the history of the building for her project.
Example
He is looking into the reasons for the delay.
Example
Yesterday, they looked into the cause of the power outage.
Example
The matter has been looked into and resolved.
What kind of phrasal verb is “look into”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“look into” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The detective looked into the case.
Example
She looked into the reasons for the price increase.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“look into” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The detective looked into the case.
Example
She looked into the reasons for the price increase.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “look into”?
Good things to know
Does “look into” have an informal or formal tone?
Look into is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic research.
