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Phrasal verbs "live on" vs "look on"

Differences between live on and look on

Live on means to have enough money to support oneself, while look on means to watch something happen without getting involved.

Meanings and Definitions: live on vs look on

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Live on

  • 1Use money for basic necessities.

    They have to LIVE ON $ 200 a week.

  • 2Not be forgotten.

    He's been dead for many years, but his name LIVES ON.

Look on

  • 1Watch something like a crime without helping.

    The crowd just LOOKED ON as the old lady was mugged.

Usage Examples: live on, look on in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

live on

Example

Many people live on a tight budget to save money.

Example

She lives on a small pension after retiring.

look on

Example

Many people looked on as the parade passed by.

Example

He looks on as his friends play basketball.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Live on

make ends meet

To have enough money to cover one's basic expenses.

Example

After losing his job, he struggled to make ends meet and had to cut down on his expenses.

get by

To manage to live with the resources available.

Example

Despite the low salary, she was able to get by with careful budgeting and saving.

survive on

To live with only the minimum necessary resources.

Example

During the camping trip, they had to survive on canned food and water from the river.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Look on

stand by

To watch something happen without taking action.

Example

He couldn't do anything but stand by and watch the car crash into the wall.

observe from afar

To watch something happening from a distance without getting involved.

Example

The tourists preferred to observe the wildlife from afar to avoid disturbing their natural habitat.

be a spectator

To watch an event or activity without participating.

Example

She enjoyed being a spectator at the basketball game and cheering for her favorite team.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “live”

Phrasal Verbs with “on”

Differences in live on vs look on: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: live on or look on?

In daily conversation, people use live on more often than look on. This is because live on is used to talk about one's financial situation, which is a common topic in everyday conversations. Look on is not used as much, and it's mainly used in specific situations where someone is observing something happening without participating. So, while both phrases are used, live on is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of live on and look on

Live on and look on are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of live on and look on

The tone of live on and look on can differ based on context. Live on often carries a serious or worried tone when related to financial matters, while look on typically has a neutral or detached tone, especially when referring to observing events or situations.

live on & look on: Synonyms and Antonyms

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