What is the difference between 'looked at' and 'looked over at'?

Question

I read the sentence "He put a hand on Bran's shoulder, and Bran looked over at his bastard brother."
Here, they both were on their horses.
I've seen this usage of 'over' before but couldn't exactly get its importance.

Naomi · Answer

Using "over" serves to make the sentence more specific. If the author had simply written that "Bran looked at his bastard brother", without further context, Bran could be looking in some other direction, rather than "over" at the specific brother who is beside him on the horse. I don't think it is super important that the author used "over" here, however, the sentence without "over" leaves something to be desired.
In short, the use of the word "over" specifies the exact direction Bran is looking.

What is the difference between 'looked at' and 'looked over at'?

One Answer

Add your own answers!

Ask a Question