23 Simple Phrasal Verbs with “Look”

1. Look after

To take care of someone or something

I need to find someone who can look after my dogs this weekend while I’m on holiday.

 

2. Look ahead

To think about and plan the future

Let’s look ahead to next month’s projected sales figures.

 

3. Look around/round

Visit a place and see what is there

Do you want to have a look around/round town this afternoon?

 

4. Look at

To consider or examine something, usually before making a decision

We will have to look at all the proposals before coming to any decision.

To read something quickly

Can you have a look at the notes I gave you last week?

To confront or face something

He is looking at a large fine if he doesn’t comply with the court order.

 

5. Look back

To think about something in the past

When I look back on my childhood, I realise how lucky I was to not have any responsibilities

 

6. Look down on

To consider someone inferior; to believe that you are better than someone else

I hate the way that our boss looks down on us; she treats us as if we are less important than her.

7. Look for

Try to find or search for someone or something

Can you help me look for my keys? I seem to have mislaid them.

 

8. Look forward to

To be excited about something that will happen in the future

I am really looking forward to Christmas this year, as my family are coming to visit.

 

9. Look in on

To visit someone for a short time

Look in on your grandmother on your way home to make sure she has everything she needs.

 

10. Look into

To investigate or find out more about something

I don’t have that information to hand but I will look into it and get back to you.

 

11. Look on

To watch an event or an activity without taking part in it or getting involved

I looked on as my friends danced around the room.

 

12. Look out

Warning someone to be careful or to be vigilant

Look out! There is broken glass on the floor!

 

13. Look out for something or someone

Be vigilant; try to notice something or keep an eye out for something or someone in particular

Look out for hummingbirds in the garden, they are often seen here.

 

14. Look out for someone

Take care of someone, protect them and make sure they are alright

I have always looked out for my little sister.

 

15. Look over

Check or revise something, usually quickly

Can you look over my thesis and tell me what you think I need to improve?

 

16. Look to

To rely on someone or something for help or advice

We have always looked to our mother for guidance.

17. Look through

Examine or read something, usually briefly

Can you have a look through this report before I hand it to the boss please?

18. To be looking up

Getting better or improving

Our financial situation finally seems to be looking up.

19. Look something up

To search for information

We can look up the restaurant’s address on the internet.

20. Look someone up

Go to visit someone; find an old friend

Look me up if you are ever in Ireland!

21. Look up to someone

To admire or respect someone

have always looked up to my father.

22. Look upon/on someone or something

To consider or regard someone or something in a particular way

I have always looked upon/on my mother as a friend.

23. Look away

To turn your eyes away from someone or something that gives a bad feeling such as fear, shame, pain, disgust or embarrassment

I looked away as the doctor peeled the bandage off my arm.