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Phrasal verbs "look forward to" vs "look out for"

Differences between look forward to and look out for

Look forward to means to feel excited or happy about something that is going to happen in the future, while look out for means to be careful and watchful for something that might happen or someone who might need help.

Meanings and Definitions: look forward to vs look out for

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Look forward to

  • 1Wait for or anticipate something pleasant.

    I'm LOOKING FORWARD TO meeting you.

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 forward to, look out for in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

look forward to

Example

I look forward to our vacation next month.

Example

She looks forward to her birthday party.

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 forward to

can't wait for

To be very excited and eager for something to happen.

Example

I can't wait for the concert next week! It's going to be amazing.

eagerly anticipate

To look forward to something with great excitement and expectation.

Example

She eagerly anticipated her graduation day for years and was thrilled when it finally arrived.

count down the days

To keep track of the days remaining until an anticipated event.

Example

He started counting down the days until his vacation and marked each day on the calendar.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Look out for

be on the lookout for

To be watchful and alert for something that might happen or someone who might need help.

Example

When hiking in the woods, it's important to be on the lookout for snakes and other dangerous animals.

keep an eye out for

To be watchful and attentive for something that might happen or someone who might need help.

Example

She asked her neighbor to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity while she was away on vacation.

watch for

To be alert and observant for something that might happen or someone who might need help.

Example

The lifeguard was instructed to watch for any swimmers in distress and provide assistance if needed.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “to”

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

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

In daily conversation, people use look forward to more often than look out for. This is because look forward to is used to express anticipation and excitement for future events, which is a common feeling. On the other hand, look out for is used less frequently because it's not always necessary to be watchful or cautious in everyday situations.

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

Look forward to and look out for are both informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, look forward to can also be used in more formal settings such as business emails or letters, while look out for is generally too informal for these contexts.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of look forward to and look out for

The tone of look forward to is positive and enthusiastic, while the tone of look out for is cautious and vigilant.

look forward to & look out for: Synonyms and Antonyms

Look forward to

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • dread
  • fear
  • worry about
  • be anxious about
  • not look forward to

Look out for

Synonyms

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