look up vs look down

The phrases 'look up' and 'look down' are both correct, but they have opposite meanings. 'Look up' means to direct your gaze upward, while 'look down' means to direct your gaze downward. The choice between the two depends on the direction you want to indicate.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 846 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"look up"

Use 'look up' when you want to indicate that someone is directing their gaze upward.

Examples:

She looked up at the stars in the night sky.
He looked up from his book and smiled at me.
Don't forget to look up when you're walking in the city to see the tall buildings.
The child looked up at the airplane flying overhead.
I need to look up the definition of this word in the dictionary.

Show examples from the web [+]

No, I had Cho look up her address.
I need you to look up arson cases in Fredericksburg.
Good, get her to look up previous assaults.
You can look up the marriage certificate online.
Please look up a number for me
Okay, look up large mud huts.
There's somebody I need to look up.
Dean, look up Edward Durbin II.
I found the chapter Katrina told us to look up.
Anybody can look up a flight plan online.
Went to look up old World War II buddies or something.
You just told me to look up an old case.
Okay, so I need to look up the date...
When you get to Stanton, look up Barney.
We got to look up the specs on the windmill.
Listen, I'm sending you some symbols to look up.
No, look up where rainbows end.
He'll have to look up the prescription.
Some inflorescences look up, others are hanging.
Please look up Tolle and DBT radical acceptance.

Alternatives:

gaze upward
raise your eyes
look above
direct your gaze upward
search for

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"look down"

Use 'look down' when you want to indicate that someone is directing their gaze downward.

Examples:

She looked down at her feet as she walked.
He looked down at the map to find their location.
Don't look down while climbing the stairs; it's safer to watch your step.
The teacher looked down at the students sitting in front of her.
I need to look down to see what's on the floor.

Show examples from the web [+]

You look down and it's not pretty.
Come here to the edge and you can look down.
All elegant brides must look down.
Don't look down, Tamale.
Volunteers minors for rescue eagerly concerns can look down their comrades.
Please look down and recognise us poor sinners.
Gently descending, you don't look down.
People have to learn not to look down.
Naturally, we always must look down.
Guys, be sure to look down the whole time.
Don't look down, Murakami-san.
Now look down and to your left.
So you look down and you see a tortoise.
Can't look down from high up.
I am even scared to look down.
I mean, I sometimes look down when walk.
You look down the whole time.
I look down then this bed sheet.
Should I turn away if you guys want to look down...
I get queasy when I look down there.

Alternatives:

gaze downward
lower your eyes
look below
direct your gaze downward
inspect

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

look up vs look down

"look up"

"look down"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text