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Phrasal verbs "look for" vs "look out for"

Differences between look for and look out for

Look for means to search for something or someone, while look out for means to be cautious and aware of potential danger or harm.

Meanings and Definitions: look for vs look out for

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Look for

  • 1Try to find.

    I've been LOOKING FOR all their hidden files, but I can't find them anywhere.

Look out for

  • 1Take care of someone, make sure someone is cared for.

    She LOOKED OUT FOR her sister when she started school.

  • 2Keep alert and try to see.

    We we told to LOOK OUT FOR any suspicious behaviour.

Usage Examples: look for, look out for in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

look for

Example

I always look for my keys before leaving the house.

Example

She looks for her glasses every morning.

look out for

Example

Please look out for any suspicious behavior in the neighborhood.

Example

She always looks out for her younger brother at school.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Look for

search for

To try to find something or someone by looking carefully and systematically.

Example

I need to search for my keys before I leave the house.

hunt down

To search for something or someone persistently and determinedly.

Example

The detective was determined to hunt down the suspect and bring him to justice.

seek out

To actively look for and find something or someone.

Example

She decided to seek out new opportunities and challenges in her career.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Look out for

be on the lookout for

To be watchful and alert for something or someone that may cause harm or danger.

Example

When hiking in the woods, it's important to be on the lookout for bears and other wildlife.

watch one's back

To be cautious and aware of potential danger or harm from others.

Example

He always watches his back when walking alone at night in the city.

take care

To be cautious and attentive to avoid harm or danger.

Example

When driving in heavy rain, it's important to take care and slow down to avoid accidents.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Differences in look for vs look out for: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: look for or look out for?

In daily conversation, people use look for more often than look out for. This is because look for is used for more common tasks such as finding lost items or searching for information. Look out for is not used as much, but it's still a useful phrase to know for safety purposes. So, while both phrases are used, look for is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of look for and look out for

Look for and look out for 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 look for and look out for

The tone of look for and look out for can differ based on context. Look for often carries a curious or determined tone when related to searching for something or someone, while look out for typically has a cautious and protective tone, especially when referring to potential danger or harm.

look for & look out for: Synonyms and Antonyms

Look out for

Synonyms

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