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I had a look vs I took a look

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

Explained by Kay
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: December 10, 2017 • 102894 views

I had a look

This phrase is correct.

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

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.

Show examples from the web [+]

Feb 7, 2013 ... I had a look to the website... Does the difference really matters? Because each time I have to use one or the other form, a lot of questions come ...
Apr 27, 2011 ... I'd say both are the same, even in past tense they both mean the same I had a look at your document v I took a look at your document. Let's see ...
Definition of looknoun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and ...
6 days ago ... look meaning, definition, what is look: to direct your eyes in order to see: . Learn more.

Some alternatives from our editors:

I took a look
I examined
I investigated
I looked

I took a look

This phrase is correct.

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

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.

Show examples from the web [+]

Apr 27, 2011 ... I'd say both are the same, even in past tense they both mean the same I had a look at your document v I took a look at your document. Let's see ...
Jun 25, 2014 ... Instead of "check the files again", can I use "I have taken a look at the files" or "I took a look at the files"? Do those have some differences?
May 30, 2015 ... [–]AhrmiintheUnseenTristam 96 points97 points98 points 3 days ago (1 child). I took a look at ... comments on Youtube. Well that was your first ...
I took a look inside your bedroom door. You looked so good lying on your bed. Well, I asked you if wanted any rhythm and love. You said you wanna rock'n'roll ...

Some alternatives from our editors:

I had a look
I looked
I examined
I investigated

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