Mastering ‘Look into’ for IELTS Success: A Comprehensive Guide

1. Definition and Explanation

The phrasal verb “look into” is an essential component of English vocabulary, particularly for IELTS candidates aiming to enhance their language proficiency. It primarily means to investigate or examine something carefully.

Key meanings:

1. To investigate or examine thoroughly
2. To consider or think about (an idea or possibility)

Synonyms: investigate, explore, research, examine, inquire about

2. Contextual Usage

“Look into” is versatile and can be used in various contexts, from formal to informal situations. Here are some examples:

• Formal: “The committee will look into the allegations of misconduct.”
• Informal: “I’ll look into getting us tickets for the concert.”
• Written: “The researcher is looking into the effects of climate change on marine life.”
• Spoken: “Hey, can you look into why the Wi-Fi isn’t working?”

3. Grammar Analysis

“Look into” is an inseparable phrasal verb, meaning the object always comes after the entire phrase.

Correct: “We need to look into the matter.”
Incorrect: “We need to look the matter into.”

Note: When using pronouns, they come after the entire phrasal verb:
“We’ll look into it,” not “We’ll look it into.”

4. Application in IELTS

Speaking:

“Look into” can be effectively used in various IELTS Speaking topics:

• Part 1 (Introduction and Interview):
  Q: “What kind of things do you like to research?”
  A: “I often look into new technologies and their potential impact on society.”

• Part 2 (Long Turn):
  Topic: Describe a problem you solved
  “…I decided to look into the issue myself. After thorough research…”

• Part 3 (Discussion):
  Q: “How do you think governments should address environmental issues?”
  A: “I believe governments should look into sustainable energy solutions more seriously…”

Using 'look into' in IELTS Speaking

Writing:

In IELTS Writing, “look into” can add sophistication to your essays:

• Task 2 (Essay):
  “It is crucial for authorities to look into the root causes of urban poverty before implementing any solutions.”

Note: While “look into” is generally acceptable in formal writing, in very formal contexts, consider using alternatives like “investigate” or “examine.”

5. Related Phrasal Verbs

1. Look up to /lʊk ʌp tuː/: To admire or respect someone
   Example: “Many young athletes look up to Olympic champions.”

2. Look up /lʊk ʌp/: To search for information in a reference book or database
   Example: “I had to look up the meaning of that word in the dictionary.”

3. Look for /lʊk fɔːr/: To search for something
   Example: “I’m looking for my keys. Have you seen them?”

4. Look after /lʊk ˈæftər/: To take care of someone or something
   Example: “She looks after her elderly parents.”

5. Look forward to /lʊk ˈfɔːrwərd tuː/: To anticipate something with pleasure
   Example: “I’m looking forward to the weekend.”

6. Look out for /lʊk aʊt fɔːr/: To be careful or vigilant about something
   Example: “Look out for cars when crossing the street.”

7. Look over /lʊk ˈoʊvər/: To examine or inspect something quickly
   Example: “Can you look over my essay before I submit it?”

6. Practice Exercises

Fill in the blanks:

1. The police are the mysterious disappearance.
2. We need to alternative energy sources.
3. Could you please the possibility of extending the deadline?
4. The company is new ways to reduce costs.
5. The committee will the complaints thoroughly.
6. I’ll the matter and get back to you.
7. They’re the cause of the technical glitch.
8. We should this opportunity more carefully.
9. The government is the environmental impact of the project.
10. Can you why the system crashed?

Rewrite the sentences:

1. The team is investigating the issue.
   The team is the issue.

2. We need to examine the proposal in detail.
   We need to the proposal in detail.

3. The scientists are researching the effects of the new drug.
   The scientists are the effects of the new drug.

4. I’ll consider your suggestion.
   I’ll your suggestion.

5. They’re exploring the possibility of opening a new branch.
   They’re the possibility of opening a new branch.

6. The manager will investigate the customer’s complaint.
   The manager will the customer’s complaint.

7. We should examine this investment opportunity carefully.
   We should this investment opportunity carefully.

8. The committee is studying the new policy proposals.
   The committee is the new policy proposals.

9. Can you check why the printer isn’t working?
   Can you why the printer isn’t working?

10. They’re analyzing the market trends.
    They’re the market trends.

Answers and Explanations:

Fill in the blanks:

1. looking into
2. look into
3. look into
4. looking into
5. look into
6. look into
7. looking into
8. look into
9. looking into
10. look into

Rewrite the sentences:

1. looking into
2. look into
3. looking into
4. look into
5. looking into
6. look into
7. look into
8. looking into
9. look into
10. looking into

Explanation: In all these sentences, “look into” replaces verbs like investigate, examine, research, consider, explore, and analyze. This demonstrates the versatility of the phrasal verb in various contexts, from formal investigations to casual inquiries.

7. Memory Tips

To remember “look into,” visualize yourself peering closely into a magnifying glass, examining something in great detail. This image reinforces the idea of investigation and thorough examination.

Another mnemonic device: “I LOOK INTO Interesting New Things Often” – each capitalized word represents a key aspect of the phrasal verb’s meaning (Investigate, Learn, Observe, Observe, Know).

Visual memory aid for 'look into'

8. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Mistake: Using “look in” instead of “look into”
   Correct: “We need to look into this matter.”
   Incorrect: “We need to look in this matter.”

2. Mistake: Separating the phrasal verb
   Correct: “The police are looking into the case.”
   Incorrect: “The police are looking the case into.”

3. Mistake: Using the wrong preposition
   Correct: “Let’s look into the problem.”
   Incorrect: “Let’s look on the problem.”

4. Mistake: Overusing in very formal writing
   In highly formal contexts, consider alternatives like “investigate” or “examine” for variety.

To avoid these mistakes, practice using “look into” in various sentences and contexts. Pay attention to its usage in authentic materials like news articles or academic papers.

9. Conclusion

Mastering phrasal verbs like “look into” is crucial for achieving a high score in IELTS. It demonstrates a sophisticated command of English and can significantly enhance your speaking and writing responses. Remember to use it naturally and in appropriate contexts during your IELTS exam.

To further improve your IELTS preparation, consider exploring other essential phrasal verbs and language skills. For instance, you might want to look up additional resources or look forward to your upcoming test with confidence. Remember, a positive attitude towards life can greatly influence your language learning journey and IELTS performance.

Practice incorporating “look into” and other phrasal verbs into your daily English usage. This will help you internalize their meanings and use them more naturally during the IELTS test, ultimately contributing to a higher band score.