expression

look into

to investigate

In Phrasal Verbs

In more detail

1. (verb) to examine or investigate something carefully

2. (verb) to direct your gaze downward into something

Examples

1. The police are looking into the robbery.
2. She looked into the deep well to see what was at the bottom.

How to use look into

Look into is a phrasal verb typically used in formal or neutral contexts to mean investigating or examining something with intent to understand it better. It emphasizes a deliberate, focused examination rather than casual observation. The second meaning (directing gaze downward) is less common and more literal.

Common phrases

look into the matter
look into allegations
look into a complaint
look into possibilities
look into the distance

Synonyms

examine · investigate · check out · look at · explore

Word family

looking into · looked into · looks into

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse 'look into' with 'look at'; 'look into' implies investigation and discovery, while 'look at' is more general and may be passive.

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