Part 2 of 2 · Same verb · different particle

“look” phrasal verbs

Same verb, different particle, different meaning. “look” has 13 of them, so they come in 2 parts. Learn these 6 one at a time, then test yourself.

13 phrasal verbslisten & quiz

look

into out out for over

up up to

look + into · 1 of 6

look into

investigate

look into sth

to try to find out more about something or discover the truth about it, usually by examining it carefully.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The manager promised to look into the complaint as soon as possible.

A: My internet keeps cutting out. Can you help?
B: Sure, I'll look into it and see what's going on.

Common mistake

Not: I'll look into ~~about~~ the problem.

Say: I'll look into the problem.

'Look into' takes the object directly — no 'about'.

More on “look into”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If I had a problem with my accommodation, I would contact the landlord and ask them to look into it immediately.

Tell it apart

I'll look into the issue.

investigate it

I'll look at the report.

read / view it

Goes with

look into + issue

Practice saying this

Next: look out

look + out · 2 of 6

look out

be careful or watchful

look out for sth/sb

To pay attention and be careful to avoid danger or problems.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

Look out! There's a car coming.

A: Look out! The floor is wet.
B: Oh, thanks for telling me—I almost slipped.

Common mistake

Not: Look out ~~of the~~ car!

Say: Look out — a car!

'Look out!' alone = a warning. 'Look out OF' means gaze through (e.g. a window) — very different.

More on “look out”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

When you travel in a new city, you should always look out for pickpockets.

Tell it apart

Look out — it's slippery!

be careful

Look out for pickpockets.

watch for them

Goes with

look out

Practice saying this

Next: look out for

look + out for · 3 of 6

look out for

watch for

look out for sth

to pay attention to something or someone so you notice it when it appears or happens

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

When you cross the street, always look out for cars.

A: Did you see my friend arrive?
B: Not yet, but I’ll look out for her.

Common mistake

Not: Look out the ~~postman, I'm expecting a parcel.~~

Say: Look out for the postman.

Needs 'for' — 'look out FOR something/someone'. 'Look out the window' is a different meaning.

More on “look out for”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my hometown, you have to look out for cyclists because there are so many on the roads.

Tell it apart

Look out for a tall man in a blue coat.

watch for him

Will you look out for the kids?

keep them safe

Goes with

look out for

Practice saying this

Next: look over

look + over · 4 of 6

look over

examine quickly

look over sth

To quickly check or review something, usually to find mistakes or get a general idea.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

I need to look over my essay before I hand it in.

A: Can you look over this report for me?
B: Sure, I'll check it now.

Common mistake

Not: Can you look over of my essay?

Say: Can you look over my essay?

'Look over + thing' directly — no 'of'.

More on “look over”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Before the exam, I always look over my notes to refresh my memory.

Tell it apart

Can you look over my CV?

check it quickly

Can you go over my CV with me?

examine it together in detail

Goes with

look over

Practice saying this

Next: look up

look + up · 5 of 6

look up

search for information

look up sth sth)

To try to find information about something, usually in a book, online, or in a list.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

If you don't know the word, you can look it up in the dictionary.

A: What's the capital of Canada?
B: I'm not sure, let me look it up.

Common mistake

Not: Let me look up it online.

Say: Let me look it up online.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'look it up'.

More on “look up”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

During my studies, I often have to look up new terms online to understand my textbooks better.

Tell it apart

I looked up the word in a dictionary.

searched for information

I looked up at the night sky.

raised my eyes

Goes with

look up + info

Practice saying this

Next: look up to

look + up to · 6 of 6

look up to

admire or respect someone

look up to sb

To admire or respect someone, often because of their achievements or character.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

I've always looked up to my older sister because she's so hardworking.

A: Who do you look up to the most?
B: Probably my grandfather. He’s taught me so much about life.

Common mistake

Not: She looks up ~~for~~ her teacher.

Say: She looks up to her teacher.

It's 'look up TO someone' (admire), not 'look up for'.

More on “look up to”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, it’s important to have someone you look up to, as they can inspire you to improve yourself.

Tell it apart

He looks up to his coach.

admires him

He looks down on outsiders.

regards them as inferior

Goes with

look up to

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which “look” fits?

Fill the gap

Which “look” fits?

Read the sentence, then pick the phrasal verb that belongs in the gap.

All of “look”

13 phrasal verbs in 2 parts.

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick one and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

look into look out look out for look over look up look up to