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"I took a look" vs "I had a look"

Each of these phrases is correct; "I took a look" sounds a little more proactive than "I had a look."

Last Updated: December 10, 2017

I took a look

This is correct

Use this phrase when talking about something you were checking out or investigating.

ExpertExplanation provided by a TextRanch English expert


Some examples from our editors:

  • I took a look at your electrical wiring; someone definitely did some work without a permit.
  • I took a look at the architect's rendering.

Some alternatives from our editors:

  • I had a look
  • I looked
  • I examined
  • I investigated

I had a look

This is correct

This phrase, which is in the past tense, might be used when discussing something that you were investigating.

ExpertExplanation provided by a TextRanch English expert


Some examples from our editors:

  • I had a look at the system; I think something is malfunctioning.
  • I had a look at your sink; it is very clogged up.

Some alternatives from our editors:

  • I took a look
  • I examined
  • I investigated
  • I looked

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