phrasal verb

look into

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Look into (phrasal verb) means to investigate a problem, complaint or question in order to find out the facts. Example: “We'll look into the missing payment and get back to you.”

phrasal verb

To investigate a problem, complaint or question in order to find out the facts.

"We'll look into the missing payment and get back to you."

"Police are looking into how the fire started."

To find out more about something you are considering doing or buying.

"I've been looking into solar panels for the roof."

"You should look into whether the course is accredited."

How to Use Look into

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo find out more about something.

When to use it

Neutral, and the standard polite phrasing in customer service: I'll look into it. Used that way it promises attention without promising a result, which is why it can sound evasive.

Memory tip

Look up means find a single fact in a reference source; look into means investigate a whole situation. You look up a phone number but look into a suspicious charge.

Easily confused with

look into → look at → look up look through

Common pairings

look into the matter looking into it look into a complaint we will look into this

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We'll _____ the missing payment and get back to you.

Synonyms

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investigate examine research probe check out explore consider

Related Words

think research deal study view die search consider

Rhymes for look into

into pinto Shinto

See all rhymes for look into →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between look into and investigate?

They mean much the same, but look into is informal and everyday while investigate is formal and implies an official, structured inquiry. A manager looks into a complaint; a regulator investigates a company.

What is the difference between look into and look at?

Look at means examine or consider something that is in front of you. Look into means dig beneath the surface to find out what happened or what the options are, so it implies effort and a search for facts.

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