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When I watch my students’ writing, I notice one thing that keeps them from sounding fluent: they avoid phrasal verbs altogether. “I’m avoiding phrasal verbs because they’re too confusing,” they say. But here’s the reality — native speakers use phrasal verbs constantly, sometimes without even thinking about it. If you walk past a construction site and see a sign that says “Look out — danger ahead,” you understand it perfectly. But when a student writes “Pay attention to — danger ahead” instead, it sounds stiff and unnatural. For more, see our English job interview tips. For more, see our understanding English accents.
Here are 16 of the most common phrasal verbs made with “look.” For each one, I’ll show you whether it’s separable or inseparable, give you real examples, explain the common mistakes my students make, and include natural dialogues so you can hear them in context. By the end, you’ll understand not just the definitions, but how native speakers actually use these verbs in conversation and writing.
Key Takeaways
- Most “look” phrasal verbs are inseparable — you say “look after,” not “look your daughter after.” The object comes at the end.
- Meaning changes with the particle — “look at” (examine), “look for” (search), “look after” (care for) are all different mental actions.
- Many “look” verbs have 2–3 meanings — context tells you which. “Look out” can mean “gaze outside” or “be careful!”
- Common mistake: dropped particles — learners say “look my keys” instead of “look for my keys”.
- Synonyms help learning — “look for” = search; “look after” = care for, protect; “look up to” = admire.
Understanding Phrasal Verbs: The Basics
A phrasal verb is a verb + particle (usually a preposition or adverb) that creates a new meaning. The base verb “look” means “use your eyes to see.” But when you add a particle, the meaning shifts:
- look + after = care for, protect
- look + for = search for
- look + at = examine, consider
- look + up = improve, or find information
One key rule to remember: most “look” phrasal verbs are inseparable . This means the object always comes after the particle. You say “I’m looking after my nephew,” not “I’m looking my nephew after.”
The 16 Most Common “Look” Phrasal Verbs
1. Look After (Inseparable)
/lʊk ˈæf.tər/ — phrasal verb. To care for, protect, or keep safe. To show concern for someone’s well-being.
Example 1: My sister asked me to look after her cat while she’s on holiday — she’ll bring it to my apartment on Friday.
Example 2: In many cultures, adult children look after their aging parents.
Example 3: Can you look after my bag while I use the restroom?
Synonym: Care for; protect
Common mistake: Learners sometimes reverse the meaning. “Look after” does NOT mean “look for someone who left” or “search for.” It means “care for” or “protect.”
2. Look Ahead (Inseparable)
/lʊk əˈhɛd/ — phrasal verb. To think about the future; to anticipate what’s coming. To plan or prepare for what lies ahead.
Example 1: You need to stop dwelling on last year’s mistakes and look ahead to this year’s opportunities.
Example 2: As the company looks ahead to the next quarter, we expect revenue to increase by 5%.
Example 3: If we look ahead to 2030, climate change will be the defining issue of our time.
Synonym: Anticipate; plan for the future
3. Look Around (Inseparable)
/lʊk əˈraʊnd/ — phrasal verb, polysemous. Has three distinct meanings:
Meaning A: Inspect a building or area — to examine a property (often before buying or renting)
Example 1: We’re interested in buying this house. Can we look around tomorrow?
Example 2: The realtor let us look around the apartment, and we fell in love with the kitchen.
Example 3: Before renting a flat, you should look around carefully to check for damage.
Meaning B: Search a place — to look through a space looking for something
Example 1: I’ve lost my keys, so I’ll look around the living room tonight.
Example 2: She looked around the garage but didn’t find the toolbox.
Example 3: The police officer looked around the scene, searching for evidence.
Meaning C: Turn one’s head to see behind oneself — to glance backward or all around
Example 1: He heard a loud noise and looked around to see where it came from.
Example 2: When the teacher called her name, Maria looked around to see if anyone else had heard.
Example 3: At the busy market, she looked around nervously for her child.
Synonym: Inspect, survey, examine; search; glance around
4. Look At (Inseparable)
/lʊk æt/ — phrasal verb, polysemous. Three key meanings:
Meaning A: Consider or evaluate — to examine an idea, problem, or possibility
Example 1: I’m looking at the possibility of moving to Australia next year for work.
Example 2: The manager is looking at ways to reduce costs without cutting jobs.
Example 3: We need to look at this issue from multiple angles before making a decision.
Meaning B: Read or review something quickly — to scan or examine a document
Example 1: Can you look at my essay and give me feedback?
Example 2: She looked at the menu and ordered the salmon.
Example 3: I only looked at the headlines this morning — I didn’t read the full articles.
Meaning C: Face or confront something difficult — to be aware of a challenging situation
Example 1: If he doesn’t comply with the court order, he’s looking at a large fine.
Example 2: The team is looking at a tough schedule in the second half of the season.
Example 3: Without intervention, the company is looking at bankruptcy.
Synonym: Consider, examine, review, face, confront
5. Look For (Inseparable)
/lʊk ˈfɔːr/ — phrasal verb. To search for; to seek; to try to find someone or something.
Example 1: I’ve been looking for my passport for an hour — I think I left it in the airport lounge.
Example 2: She spent five years looking for the right job before landing her dream position.
Example 3: The rescue team is looking for survivors in the debris.
Example 4: What qualities are you looking for in a romantic partner?
Example 5: He devoted his life to looking for the truth about his family’s past.
Synonym: Search for, seek, hunt for
Tip: “Look for” is one of the most frequently used “look” phrasal verbs. Use it whenever you mean “search” or “seek” — it’s almost always more natural than the single verb “search.”
6. Look Into (Inseparable)
/lʊk ˈɪn.tuː/ — phrasal verb. To investigate, explore, research, or examine something more deeply. To look for information about.
Example 1: The police are looking into the robbery that happened last week.
Example 2: If you’re buying a new car, you might want to look into getting a hybrid vehicle for better fuel efficiency.
Example 3: HR is looking into the discrimination complaint filed by the employee.
Example 4: I’ll look into that issue and email you a report by Friday.
Synonym: Investigate, examine, research, explore
7. Look On (Inseparable)
/lʊk ˈɑːn/ — phrasal verb. To observe, watch, or witness something. Often used when someone is present but not participating.
Example 1: While the surgeon operated, medical students looked on from the observation deck.
Example 2: My performance always gets worse when there are other people looking on.
Example 3: We looked on helplessly as the fire spread to the neighboring house.
Synonym: Watch, observe, witness
8. Look On As / Look Upon As (Inseparable)
/lʊk ˈɑːn əz/ — phrasal verb. To regard, consider, or judge someone or something in a particular way. To think of someone as having a certain role or quality.
Example 1: I’ve always looked on him as the ideal candidate for the leadership role.
Example 2: In her family, she’s looked on as the responsible one who will handle any crisis.
Example 3: Some people look on social media as a waste of time; others see it as essential for business.
Example 4: He looks on his mentor as both a teacher and a friend.
Synonym: Regard, consider, think of, perceive
9. Look Out (Inseparable)
/lʊk ˈaʊt/ — phrasal verb, polysemous. Two distinct meanings:
Meaning A: Gaze outward from an enclosed space — to look from inside toward the outside
Example 1: Look out the window and tell me if it’s still raining.
Example 2: From the top of the skyscraper, we could look out over the entire city.
Meaning B: Be vigilant, careful, or aware; to watch out for danger
Example 1: Look out! There’s a car coming!
Example 2: While you’re in the city center, look out for pickpockets.
Example 3: You should look out for signs of infection after surgery.
Example 4: When hiring a contractor, look out for cheap quotes — they often indicate poor quality work.
Synonym: Gaze out; be careful, watch out, beware
Register note: “Look out!” (Meaning B) is an urgent warning, often shouted. Don’t overuse it in formal writing.
10. Look Round (British English Variant)
/lʊk ˈraʊnd/ — phrasal verb. In British English, “look round” is the equivalent of “look around” (meanings A, B, and C as described above). Americans usually say “look around”; British speakers often say “look round.”
Example 1: We’re interested in buying this house — can we look round tomorrow? (British)
Example 2: I’ve lost my keys, so I’ll look round the kitchen. (British)
Regional note: British English uses “look round”; American English uses “look around.” Both are correct in their respective varieties.
11. Look Through (Inseparable)
/lʊk ˈθruː/ — phrasal verb, polysemous. Three distinct meanings:
Meaning A: Gaze through an opening or medium — to see through a gap or transparent object
Example 1: He looked through the binoculars at the bird on the distant tree.
Example 2: She looked through the fence and saw the neighbor’s garden.
Meaning B: Search by looking through items — to examine contents, often with hands
Example 1: Airport security looked through her purse and confiscated her nail scissors.
Example 2: I looked through my filing cabinet for last year’s tax return.
Example 3: He looked through the stack of resumes, searching for qualified candidates.
Meaning C: Deliberately ignore or pretend not to see — to act as if someone or something is not there
Example 1: I tried to get Michele’s attention at the party, but she looked right through me!
Example 2: When the homeless man asked for change, the businessman looked right through him.
Synonym: Gaze through, see through; search through; ignore, overlook
12. Look To (Inseparable)
/lʊk ˈtuː/ — phrasal verb. To seek help, advice, inspiration, or hope from someone. To rely on or turn to someone.
Example 1: Whenever I’m upset, I look to my mother to cheer me up and offer advice.
Example 2: After the scandal, the company is looking to its board members for guidance.
Example 3: Young athletes often look to professional players as role models.
Example 4: The team is looking to next year to prove they can compete at the highest level.
Synonym: Seek, rely on, turn to, depend on
13. Look Up (Can be separable or inseparable depending on meaning)
/lʊk ˈʌp/ — phrasal verb, polysemous. Two distinct meanings:
Meaning A: Improve or become better — (inseparable)
Example 1: Things started looking up after Jim got a promotion.
Example 2: The economy is finally looking up after two years of recession.
Example 3: Once she moved to a new city, her life began looking up.
Meaning B: Find or obtain information from a source — (separable — both “look up the word” and “look the word up” are correct)
Example 1: I didn’t know what a mitochondrion was, so I looked it up in a dictionary.
Example 2: Can you look up the phone number for the restaurant?
Example 3: She looked up the address and found it in the online directory.
Synonym: Improve, get better; find (information), research, consult
Tip: With Meaning B, you can say either “I looked up the definition” or “I looked the definition up.” Both are equally correct. This is one of the rare separable “look” phrasal verbs.
14. Look Up To (Inseparable)
/lʊk ˈʌp ˈtuː/ — phrasal verb. To admire, respect, or hold someone in high regard. To regard someone as a role model or superior.
Example 1: A child should look up to their parents and role models.
Example 2: Many young entrepreneurs look up to Elon Musk for his innovation and risk-taking.
Example 3: Throughout her career, she has looked up to female leaders who broke glass ceilings.
Example 4: I’ve always looked up to my grandfather for his wisdom and integrity.
Synonym: Admire, respect, revere, esteem
15. Look Upon (Inseparable)
/lʊk əˈpɑːn/ — phrasal verb. Similar to “look on as” — to consider, regard, or judge someone or something in a particular way. Often used in more formal or literary contexts.
Example 1: Some people look upon surfing as an art form, not just a sport.
Example 2: In traditional cultures, elders are looked upon with great respect.
Example 3: She looks upon her volunteer work as her life’s calling.
Synonym: Regard, consider, view, perceive
16. Look Forward To (Inseparable)
/lʊk ˈfɔːr.wərd ˈtuː/ — phrasal verb. To anticipate or feel excited about something that will happen in the future. To await with pleasure.
Example 1: I’m looking forward to the vacation next month — I can’t wait to relax on the beach.
Example 2: The team is looking forward to playing in the championship game.
Example 3: We’re all looking forward to seeing you at the reunion next year.
Example 4: Children are always looking forward to their birthday.
Synonym: Anticipate, await, look forward to
Grammar note: After “look forward to,” always use the gerund (-ing form), not the infinitive. Say “I’m looking forward to seeing you,” not “I’m looking forward to see you.”
Separable vs. Inseparable: Quick Reference Table
| Phrasal Verb | Separable? | Example (if separable) | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| look after | No | — | Always “look after the children,” not “look the children after” |
| look ahead | No | — | Always “look ahead,” always with an object implied |
| look around | No | — | Always “look around the house” |
| look at | No | — | Always “look at the painting” |
| look for | No | — | Always “look for my keys,” not “look my keys for” |
| look into | No | — | Always “look into the problem” |
| look on | No | — | Always “look on + ing form” for watching |
| look up (improve) | No | — | Always “things are looking up” |
| look up (find info) | Yes | “Look it up” or “Look up the word” | Can separate with pronoun objects |
| look up to | No | — | Always “look up to someone” |
| look through | No | — | Always “look through the files” |
| look to | No | — | Always “look to someone for help” |
Common Mistakes Learners Make
Mistake 1: Dropping the particle
✗ Incorrect: I’m looking my keys since this morning.
✓ Correct: I’m looking for my keys since this morning.
Why: “Look for” means “search.” Without “for,” the sentence doesn’t make sense.
Mistake 2: Wrong particle order (separating inseparable verbs)
✗ Incorrect: Can you look the dog after while I’m out?
✓ Correct: Can you look after the dog while I’m out?
Why: “Look after” is inseparable. The particle “after” must come directly after the base verb, before the object.
Mistake 3: Using the wrong particle with the same base verb
✗ Incorrect: The CEO is looking at the future with optimism. (if you mean to anticipate)
✓ Correct: The CEO is looking ahead to the future with optimism.
Why: “Look at” = examine; “look ahead” = anticipate. Context determines which is correct.
Mistake 4: Forgetting the gerund after “look forward to”
✗ Incorrect: I’m looking forward to hear from you.
✓ Correct: I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
Why: The preposition “to” requires a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive (base verb).
Mistake 5: Confusing “look on” with “look after”
✗ Incorrect: I looked on my little brother yesterday. (if you mean you cared for him)
✓ Correct: I looked after my little brother yesterday.
Why: “Look on” = watch; “look after” = care for. Completely different meanings.
Sample Dialogues: Natural Usage
At a job interview
Interviewer: What are you looking forward to most about this role?
Candidate: I’m looking forward to working with your product team. I’ve always looked up to the innovation your company is known for.
Interviewer: That’s great. And what challenges are you looking at as you transition into this position?
Candidate: I’m looking into your current systems to understand what might need improvement.
Between friends searching for something
Maya: Have you seen my phone charger? I’m looking for it everywhere.
Javi: Did you look around the bedroom? Sometimes things end up under the bed.
Maya: I looked through all the drawers already. I’m going to look it up online to see if I can find a replacement.
Javi: While you look at prices, I’ll check the bathroom. These things usually turn up.
Maya: Thanks — I look to you in times of crisis!
Quick Quiz
Choose the correct phrasal verb:
- I’ve been ________ for my glasses for twenty minutes. (looking for / looking at)
- My child ________ his teacher as a role model. (looks on / looks up to)
- The company is ________ ways to reduce costs. (looking into / looking through)
- I’m ________ hearing from you soon! (looking forward to / looking ahead to)
- Can you ________ the definition while I wait? (look it up / look it through)
- Business is ________ since we launched the new product. (looking up / looking ahead)
Answers: 1. looking for · 2. looks up to · 3. looking into · 4. looking forward to · 5. look it up · 6. looking up
Related Articles
- ↑ Master Pillar: English Grammar
- ↑ Back to pillar: English Phrasal Verbs (Pillar)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a phrasal verb?
A phrasal verb is a verb combined with one or more particles (usually prepositions or adverbs) to create a meaning that’s different from the base verb alone. “Look” means “use your eyes,” but “look for” means “search,” which is quite different. Phrasal verbs are extremely common in English and native speakers use them without thinking.
Are all “look” phrasal verbs inseparable?
No. Most are inseparable, meaning the object comes after the particle (e.g., “look after the dog”). However, “look up” (when it means “find information”) is separable, so you can say either “look it up” or “look up the word.” The rule of thumb: if you can move the object between the verb and particle, it’s separable.
How do I know if a phrasal verb is separable or inseparable?
With inseparable verbs, the object always comes after the particle. With separable verbs, you can place the object before or after the particle. Most learners find it easier to keep the object at the end (inseparable pattern), which is why most “look” verbs follow that rule. A good dictionary will mark separable vs. inseparable.
What’s the difference between “look at,” “look for,” and “look after”?
“Look at” = examine or consider. “Look for” = search or seek. “Look after” = care for or protect. All use “look” but create completely different meanings. Context and the particle determine the meaning.
Can I use “look round” and “look around” interchangeably?
Mostly yes — they’re equivalent. “Look around” is more common in American English, while “look round” is standard in British English. Both mean the same thing: to inspect or gaze about.
Do I need to memorize all 16 of these phrasal verbs?
No — start with the most common ones: “look for,” “look at,” “look after,” “look up,” and “look forward to.” These five cover about 70% of everyday usage. The others will become familiar as you read and listen to English naturally over time.
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