The phrase “check this out” is a common and informal way to direct someone’s attention to something interesting or noteworthy. While effective, relying solely on this phrase can make your language sound repetitive and limited.
Expanding your repertoire of expressions to introduce something new not only enhances your communication skills but also allows you to tailor your language to different contexts, audiences, and levels of formality. This article explores a variety of alternative phrases and expressions, providing you with the tools to communicate more effectively and engagingly.
Whether you’re a student looking to improve your writing, a professional aiming for more polished communication, or simply someone interested in expanding their vocabulary, this guide will offer valuable insights and practical examples.
By mastering these alternatives, you’ll be able to convey your message with greater nuance and precision, making your communication more impactful and engaging.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition: Directing Attention
- Structural Breakdown of Phrases
- Types and Categories of Expressions
- Examples of Alternative Expressions
- Usage Rules and Guidelines
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition: Directing Attention
Directing attention, in the context of language, refers to the act of guiding or prompting someone to focus on a particular object, idea, or piece of information. It involves using specific words, phrases, or non-verbal cues to highlight something as being of interest or importance.
The function of these expressions is to capture the listener’s or reader’s focus and encourage them to observe, consider, or engage with the subject matter.
This act of directing attention can take various forms, ranging from informal suggestions to formal announcements, depending on the context, the relationship between the speakers, and the intended effect. Understanding the nuances of directing attention is crucial for effective communication, as it allows you to convey your message with clarity and impact.
Structural Breakdown of Phrases
Phrases used to direct attention typically consist of a few key structural elements. Most commonly, they include an imperative verb (e.g., look, see, notice), followed by a pronoun or determiner (e.g., this, that, what), and sometimes a prepositional phrase or clause to provide further context.
- Imperative Verb + Pronoun/Determiner: This is the most basic structure, such as “Look at this” or “See that.”
- Imperative Verb + Pronoun/Determiner + Prepositional Phrase: This structure adds location or context, for example, “Look at this over here” or “See that in the distance.”
- Imperative Verb + What/How + Clause: This structure introduces a statement or question, such as “Notice what I’m doing” or “Consider how this affects you.”
- Introductory Phrase + Colon + Statement: This formal structure presents a statement after an introductory phrase, for example, “Please note: The deadline has been extended.”
Understanding these structural elements allows you to deconstruct existing phrases and create your own variations, adapting your language to specific situations and preferences.
Types and Categories of Expressions
Expressions used to direct attention can be categorized based on their formality and the specific nuance they convey. Here’s a breakdown of different types:
Informal Expressions
Informal expressions are suitable for casual conversations with friends, family, or close colleagues. They often use colloquial language and a relaxed tone.
Examples include: “Check this out,” “Take a look,” “Get a load of this,” “You gotta see this,” “Feast your eyes on this.”
Semi-Formal Expressions
Semi-formal expressions are appropriate for professional settings where a friendly but respectful tone is desired. These phrases are less casual than informal expressions but not as stiff as formal ones.
Examples include: “Have a look at this,” “Please take a moment to review this,” “I’d like to draw your attention to this,” “You might find this interesting,” “This is worth considering.”
Formal Expressions
Formal expressions are used in official documents, presentations, or situations requiring a high degree of respect and professionalism. They often employ precise language and avoid colloquialisms.
Examples include: “Please note,” “Kindly observe,” “I would like to direct your attention to,” “It is important to consider,” “For your consideration.”
Imperative Expressions
Imperative expressions directly command or request someone to look at something. These are typically direct and to the point.
Examples include: “Look at this,” “See this,” “Notice this,” “Observe this,” “Consider this.”
Question-Based Expressions
Question-based expressions invite the listener to look at something in a more engaging way. They often pique curiosity and encourage participation.
Examples include: “Have you seen this?” “Did you notice this?” “What do you think of this?” “Isn’t this interesting?” “Can you believe this?”
Examples of Alternative Expressions
This section provides a comprehensive list of alternative expressions for “check this out,” categorized by formality and usage. Each table includes a variety of examples to illustrate the diverse ways to direct attention in different contexts.
The following table showcases informal alternatives to “check this out”, suitable for casual conversations with friends and family. These phrases often add a playful or enthusiastic tone to your communication.
| Informal Alternative | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Check this out | Check this out, I finally finished knitting that scarf you wanted! |
| Take a look | Take a look at this amazing sunset! |
| Get a load of this | Get a load of this – I won the lottery! |
| You gotta see this | You gotta see this new movie; it’s hilarious! |
| Feast your eyes on this | Feast your eyes on this beautiful cake I baked. |
| Look at this | Look at this adorable puppy! |
| See this | See this cool trick I learned? |
| Dig this | Dig this new song I found! |
| Scope this out | Scope this out – I got a new car! |
| What do you think of this? | What do you think of this painting I made? |
| Have you seen this? | Have you seen this funny video online? |
| Get an eyeful of this | Get an eyeful of this – the view from the top is stunning! |
| Catch this | Catch this, I found a twenty-dollar bill! |
| Take a gander at this | Take a gander at this old photograph. |
| Lookie here | Lookie here, I found your missing keys! |
| Get a load of that | Get a load of that crazy outfit he’s wearing! |
| Look what I found | Look what I found – a rare coin! |
| Check it out | Check it out, they’re having a sale at the bookstore! |
| Take a peek | Take a peek at this surprise I have for you. |
| Get a glimpse of this | Get a glimpse of this – the band is about to start playing! |
| See what I mean? | See what I mean? This is the best pizza in town! |
| Feast your eyes | Feast your eyes on this masterpiece! |
| Get a whiff of this | Get a whiff of this delicious pie baking in the oven. |
| Give this a look | Give this a look, I think you’ll find it interesting. |
| Peep this | Peep this new app I downloaded. |
| Take a moment to look | Take a moment to look at these flowers – they’re beautiful! |
| See for yourself | See for yourself how easy this recipe is! |
The following table presents semi-formal alternatives, appropriate for professional environments or conversations where a degree of respect is maintained. These phrases strike a balance between approachability and professionalism.
| Semi-Formal Alternative | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Have a look at this | Have a look at this report before the meeting. |
| Please take a moment to review this | Please take a moment to review this proposal. |
| I’d like to draw your attention to this | I’d like to draw your attention to this important detail. |
| You might find this interesting | You might find this interesting – it’s a new approach to marketing. |
| This is worth considering | This is worth considering when planning our next steps. |
| I wanted to show you this | I wanted to show you this new software. |
| Take a look when you have a moment | Take a look when you have a moment at these figures. |
| I thought you should see this | I thought you should see this email from the client. |
| I’d like to point out | I’d like to point out this section of the document. |
| Please review | Please review this document at your convenience. |
| Kindly consider | Kindly consider this proposal carefully. |
| This may be of interest to you | This may be of interest to you, given your expertise in the field. |
| I’d like to bring this to your attention | I’d like to bring this to your attention as soon as possible. |
| It’s worth noting that | It’s worth noting that the deadline has been extended. |
| I recommend you take a look at | I recommend you take a look at this report. |
| Please examine | Please examine this data closely. |
| I suggest you review | I suggest you review these materials before our discussion. |
| This merits your attention | This merits your attention due to its potential impact. |
| I’d be grateful if you could review | I’d be grateful if you could review this document. |
| Please find attached | Please find attached the document I mentioned. |
| For your review | For your review, I have included the necessary information. |
| I wanted to share this with you | I wanted to share this with you because I think it aligns with our goals. |
| Take note of this | Take note of this important change in policy. |
| Consider this | Consider this alternative approach. |
| Have you had a chance to see | Have you had a chance to see the new marketing campaign? |
| I’d like to get your feedback on this | I’d like to get your feedback on this proposal. |
The next table features formal alternatives, suited for official documents, presentations, and situations demanding utmost respect and professionalism. These phrases emphasize clarity and precision.
| Formal Alternative | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Please note | Please note that the meeting has been rescheduled. |
| Kindly observe | Kindly observe the safety guidelines. |
| I would like to direct your attention to | I would like to direct your attention to the following points. |
| It is important to consider | It is important to consider all factors before making a decision. |
| For your consideration | For your consideration, I have prepared a detailed report. |
| Attention is drawn to | Attention is drawn to the discrepancies in the data. |
| It should be noted that | It should be noted that this regulation is mandatory. |
| The following is brought to your attention | The following is brought to your attention for immediate action. |
| We wish to draw your attention to | We wish to draw your attention to the revised terms and conditions. |
| It is imperative that you review | It is imperative that you review this document before signing. |
| We hereby direct your attention to | We hereby direct your attention to the clauses outlined below. |
| Your attention is respectfully directed to | Your attention is respectfully directed to the matter at hand. |
| It is essential to acknowledge | It is essential to acknowledge the significance of this issue. |
| We would like to bring to your notice | We would like to bring to your notice the upcoming changes in policy. |
| Please be advised that | Please be advised that access to the building will be restricted. |
| It is our duty to inform you of | It is our duty to inform you of the potential risks involved. |
| We must emphasize the importance of | We must emphasize the importance of adhering to the guidelines. |
| It is crucial to recognize | It is crucial to recognize the impact of this decision. |
| We strongly recommend that you review | We strongly recommend that you review the attached documents. |
| It is recommended that you consider | It is recommended that you consider the long-term implications. |
| For official purposes | For official purposes, please refer to the documented procedure. |
| In compliance with regulation | In compliance with regulation, this is brought to your attention. |
| As per company policy | As per company policy, you are required to acknowledge this. |
| This serves to notify you that | This serves to notify you that changes will be implemented on a specific date. |
| Please be aware of | Please be aware of the new security protocols. |
This table provides examples of question-based expressions that invite the listener to engage with the subject matter proactively. These phrases often encourage participation and curiosity.
| Question-Based Alternative | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Have you seen this? | Have you seen this new exhibit at the museum? |
| Did you notice this? | Did you notice this subtle detail in the painting? |
| What do you think of this? | What do you think of this new design proposal? |
| Isn’t this interesting? | Isn’t this interesting how they solved the problem? |
| Can you believe this? | Can you believe this incredible coincidence? |
| Have you heard about this? | Have you heard about this new technology? |
| Are you aware of this? | Are you aware of this recent development? |
| Did you catch that? | Did you catch that subtle joke in the movie? |
| Have you ever seen anything like this? | Have you ever seen anything like this before? |
| What are your thoughts on this? | What are your thoughts on this new strategy? |
| Have you had a chance to look at this? | Have you had a chance to look at this report yet? |
| What’s your take on this? | What’s your take on this new law? |
| Have you considered this? | Have you considered this alternative solution? |
| Did you know about this? | Did you know about this historical fact? |
| What do you make of this? | What do you make of this unusual artwork? |
| Have you taken a look at this? | Have you taken a look at this proposal? |
| What’s your opinion on this? | What’s your opinion on this new policy? |
| Did this catch your eye? | Did this catch your eye as you walked by? |
| Have you had time to review this? | Have you had time to review this document? |
| What are your impressions of this? | What are your impressions of this new product? |
| Is this something you’ve seen before? | Is this something you’ve seen before? |
| What do you think about this idea? | What do you think about this idea? |
| Are you familiar with this? | Are you familiar with this? |
| Have you ever wondered about this? | Have you ever wondered about this? |
| What’s your perspective on this? | What’s your perspective on this? |
Usage Rules and Guidelines
When choosing an alternative to “check this out,” consider the following guidelines:
- Audience: Tailor your language to your audience. Use informal expressions with friends and family, semi-formal expressions with colleagues, and formal expressions in official settings.
- Context: Consider the context of the situation. A casual conversation calls for different language than a formal presentation.
- Tone: Match your tone to the situation. Use enthusiastic language when appropriate, but maintain a respectful tone in formal settings.
- Clarity: Ensure your language is clear and easy to understand. Avoid jargon or overly complex language when unnecessary.
- Purpose: Consider your purpose for directing attention. Are you trying to inform, persuade, or entertain? Choose language that aligns with your goal.
Remember that consistency in tone and vocabulary is crucial for maintaining credibility and effectively conveying your message.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using alternatives to “check this out”:
| Mistake | Correct Example | Incorrect Example |
|---|---|---|
| Using overly formal language in informal situations. | “Hey, look at this funny video!” | “Greetings, I would like to direct your attention to this amusing video.” |
| Using overly informal language in formal situations. | “Please review the attached document.” | “Yo, check out this doc!” |
| Using jargon or technical terms without explanation. | “Please consider the data points in this graph.” | “Check out the stochastic gradient descent on this dataset.” |
| Using ambiguous language that is difficult to understand. | “I’d like to point out the key findings in this report.” | “See this thing here? It’s important.” |
| Mismatched tone and content. | “Please note that the company is facing serious financial challenges.” | “Hey, check this out – the company is going bankrupt! LOL!” |
By being mindful of these common mistakes, you can ensure that your communication is clear, effective, and appropriate for the situation.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of alternative expressions with these practice exercises. Choose the most appropriate alternative to “check this out” in each scenario.
Exercise 1: Choosing the Right Alternative
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| You’re showing a funny video to a friend. | a) Please note b) Get a load of this c) I’d like to direct your attention to | b) Get a load of this |
| You’re presenting a report to your boss. | a) Yo, check this out b) Please review c) Feast your eyes on this | b) Please review |
| You’re pointing out a beautiful sunset to your child. | a) Kindly observe b) Look at this c) It is imperative that you review | b) Look at this |
| You’re sending an official notice to employees. | a) Check it out b) Please be advised that c) You gotta see this | b) Please be advised that |
| You’re sharing a new song with a friend. | a) Did you notice this? b) I’d like to draw your attention to this c) Dig this | c) Dig this |
| You’re presenting data at a conference. | a) Scope this out b) It is important to consider c) Take a gander at this | b) It is important to consider |
| You’re showing your spouse a new purchase. | a) Take a peek b) I’d be grateful if you could review c) Get an eyeful of this | c) Get an eyeful of this |
| You’re pointing out safety instructions. | a) Please note b) Lookie here c) Get a load of that | a) Please note |
| You’re showing a colleague a helpful tool. | a) Have you seen this? b) What do you think of this? c) I wanted to share this with you | c) I wanted to share this with you |
| You’re showing a friend a cool gadget. | a) Take note of this b) See this c) It is crucial to recognize | b) See this |
Exercise 2: Rewriting Sentences
Rewrite the following sentences using a more appropriate alternative to “check this out,” considering the context provided.
| Original Sentence | Context | Rewritten Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Check this out, I got a promotion! | Telling your best friend. | “Get a load of this, I got a promotion!” |
| Check this out, the deadline has been extended. | Sending an email to your team at work. | “Please note that the deadline has been extended.” |
| Check this out, this new software is amazing! | Presenting to potential investors. | “It is important to consider the potential of this new software.” |
| Check this out, I found your missing wallet! | Speaking to your roommate. | “Lookie here, I found your missing wallet!” |
| Check this out, I made a new recipe! | Showing your family at dinner. | “Feast your eyes on this, I made a new recipe!” |
| Check this out, the company policy has changed. | Announcing at a company-wide meeting. | “Please be advised that the company policy has changed.” |
| Check this out, this is the best view in town! | Showing a friend the view. | “You gotta see this, this is the best view in town!” |
| Check this out, I learned a new trick! | Showing your child. | “See this, I learned a new trick!” |
| Check this out, there are discrepancies in the report. | Writing a formal audit. | “Attention is drawn to the discrepancies in the report.” |
| Check this out, I found a great deal on this car! | Telling a friend about a purchase. | “Scope this out, I found a great deal on this car!” |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, consider exploring these more complex aspects of directing attention:
- Subtlety and Implication: Learn to direct attention indirectly through implication and suggestion, rather than direct commands.
- Rhetorical Devices: Explore how rhetorical devices like metaphors, similes, and analogies can be used to highlight specific aspects of a topic.
- Cultural Nuances: Understand how cultural differences can influence the appropriateness of different expressions for directing attention.
- Non-Verbal Cues: Study how non-verbal cues like eye contact, gestures, and tone of voice can enhance the effectiveness of your language.
Mastering these advanced topics will enable you to communicate with greater sophistication and impact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about using alternatives to “check this out”:
- Is it always necessary to avoid using “check this out?”
No, “check this out” is perfectly acceptable in informal settings. However, expanding your vocabulary allows you to communicate more effectively and appropriately in different contexts.
- How can I determine the appropriate level of formality for a given situation?
Consider your audience, the context, and your purpose for communicating. If you’re unsure, it’s generally better to err on the side of formality.
- Are there any expressions I should avoid altogether?
Avoid using slang or jargon that your audience may not understand. Also, be cautious of expressions that could be considered offensive or insensitive.
- How can I practice using these alternative expressions?
Make a conscious effort to incorporate them into your daily conversations and writing. Pay attention to how native speakers use these expressions and try to emulate their usage.
- What if I accidentally use the wrong expression?
Don’t worry too much about it. Simply apologize and rephrase your statement using a more appropriate expression. Most people will appreciate your effort to communicate effectively.
- Can the tone of voice change the formality of an expression?
Yes, tone of voice can significantly impact the perceived formality of an expression. A playful tone can make a semi-formal expression sound more casual, while a serious tone can make an informal expression sound more serious.
- Are there regional differences in the usage of these expressions?
Yes, some expressions may be more common in certain regions than others. Pay attention to the language used by people in your area and adapt your usage accordingly.
- How important is body language when directing attention?
Body language is crucial. Eye contact, gestures, and posture can all enhance the effectiveness of your language and convey your message with greater impact.
Conclusion
Mastering alternative ways to say “check this out” is a valuable skill that can enhance your communication in various settings. By understanding the nuances of formality, context, and tone, you can choose the most appropriate expression for each situation.
This not only makes your language more engaging but also demonstrates your attention to detail and respect for your audience.
Remember to practice using these alternative expressions in your daily conversations and writing. Pay attention to how native speakers use them and strive to emulate their usage.
With time and practice, you’ll be able to communicate with greater confidence and effectiveness, making a lasting impression on those around you. Embrace the diversity of the English language and continue to expand your vocabulary to become a more skilled and articulate communicator.