Overlook vs look over

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Grammarist

Overlook and look over are two terms that are very similar but mean two different things. They are often confused. We will look at the definitions of the terms overlook and look over, how they are used and some examples of that use in sentences.

Overlook means to ignore, to not notice something, to pass over something in favor of something else, to excuse a mistake or indiscretion, to observe something from above, to observe something from a commanding position. Overlook may be used as a noun or a transitive verb, which is a verb that takes an object. related words are overlooks, overlooked, overlooking.

Look over means to inspect something, to examine or peruse something. When used as a noun, the term is hyphenated as in look-over. When used as a verb, the term is rendered as two separate words, without a hyphen. Related terms are looks over, looked over, looking over.

Examples

Also called the Nimitz Hill overlook, a sign was installed yesterday in the area as part of the scenic spot designation efforts by the Islandwide Beautification Task Force and Lt. Gov. Ray Tenorio. (The Guam Daily Post)

But Henderson’s efforts are futile – he’s among several dog handlers who were overlooked for adoption before laws ensured handlers would be given the first crack at adoption. (The Fayetteville Observer)

Rep. Kevin Mahan, who will be a House sponsor of Head’s proposal, said he would have to look over the court case more before determining what changes he personally would like to see in Senate Bill 1. (The Indianapolis Star)

“We’ll play with a fast pace, with a look-over pace and with a huddle pace.” (The Portland Tribune)