What are the most common ‘look’ phrasal verbs?

Many phrasal verbs with look describe actions related to searching, caring, or investigating.

• Look for: This means to search for something or someone that is lost or desired.
• Look after: This means to take care of someone or something, ensuring their safety or well-being.
• Look into: This means to investigate or examine a problem, situation, or proposal to find out the truth or gather information.
• Look at: This means to direct your eyes towards something or someone. It can also mean to consider or examine something carefully.

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How do we use ‘look’ for warnings or future events?

Some expressions with look are used for warnings or to express excitement about the future.

• Look out!: This is an exclamation used to warn someone about immediate danger or to be careful.
• Be on the lookout: This means to watch carefully for something or someone, often because it is important or potentially dangerous.
• Look forward to: This means to feel excited and pleased about something that is going to happen in the future. Remember to follow it with a noun or a verb in the -ing form.

What about other useful expressions with ‘look’?

动词 look also appears in other common expressions that are useful for B2 learners.

• The look of: This refers to the appearance, style, or visual quality of something or someone.
• Now look here!: This is an informal expression used to show anger or annoyance, often to get someone’s attention before telling them off.
• Look up to: This means to admire or respect someone, often an older or more experienced person.

示例

• My sister is looking for a new apartment in the city centre.
• Could you please look after my plants while I’m away on holiday?
• The company promised to look into the customer’s complaint immediately.
• I’m really looking forward to seeing you at the party next week!
• Look out! That bicycle is going to hit you if you don’t move!

练习

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西班牙语母语者常犯的错误

讲西班牙语的人经常会混淆 look 与 see 或 watch because they all relate to vision:

• Look: To direct your eyes intentionally. (e.g., Look at this photo!)
• See: To perceive something with your eyes, often without intention. (e.g., I saw a bird outside my window.)
• Watch: To look at something for a period, especially something moving or changing. (e.g., We watched a movie last night.)

Another common mistake is direct translation from Spanish. For example, “cuidar” might be directly translated as “care,” but the correct phrasal verb is look after.

• 错误： I need to care my little brother.
• 正确： I need to look after my little brother.

Also, using the wrong preposition can completely change the meaning or make the phrase incorrect.

• 错误： I’m looking at my lost phone. (This implies the phone is visible)
• 正确： I’m looking for my lost phone. (This implies searching for it)

常见问题

What is the difference between ‘look at’ and ‘see’?

Look at means to direct your eyes towards something intentionally. See means to perceive something with your eyes, often without intention. For example, I looked at the painting carefully (intentional), but I saw a bird fly by (unintentional).

Are phrasal verbs with ‘look’ important for the B2 First exam?

Yes, absolutely. Phrasal verbs, including those with look, are a key part of the B2 First (FCE) exam, especially in the Use of English paper and the Speaking test. You might need to understand them in reading texts, use them correctly in gap-fill exercises, or incorporate them naturally when speaking.

Can I use ‘look up to’ for objects?

不，, look up to is used only for people. It means to admire or respect someone. For example, Children often look up to their parents 或 Many young athletes look up to their coaches.

Is ‘look forward to’ followed by a verb in the -ing form?

是的，, look forward to is always followed by a noun or a verb in the -ing form (gerund). For example, I’m looking forward to the party (noun) or I’m looking forward to seeing you (gerund).

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