CultureBridge: ESL phrasal verbs

E S L C O R N E R
To look

An idiom is a phrase that has a meaning different from the meanings of its parts. Idiomatic expressions are commonly used and understood slang phrases.

An important type of idiom is the phrasal verb, a verb whose meaning is changed when a second word is added. (The second word is called a particle.)

Verb + particle = phrasal verb

Here are some examples of phrasal verbs made with the verb "to look."

To look means to see, or to search for something.

Look up - to get or find information
Would you look up her phone number for me?
I don't know what time the next train comes. I'll have to look it up. (Note: this is a case where the parts of the verb phrase can be separated - "look up something" and "look something up" are both correct)

Look up to - to admire
I've always looked up to my mother.

Look on - to watch, like a spectator watches a game or event
We looked on happily as the game winning home run was hit.

Look out - to be careful or watchful (for some type of danger)
Look out! That car is coming this way!
Look out for falling rocks as you climb the mountain.

Look out for - to protect
My older brother looks out for me at school.
They're good friends who always look out for each other.

Check our ESL index for other useful lessons!

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