Phrasal verbs "look forward to" vs "look up to"

Differences between look forward to and look up to

Look forward to means to feel excited or optimistic about something that is going to happen in the future, while look up to means to admire or respect someone for their qualities or achievements.

Meanings and Definitions: look forward to vs look up to

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Look forward to

• 1. Wait for or anticipate something pleasant.

  I'm LOOKING FORWARD TO meeting you.

Look up to

• 1. Respect.

  She's LOOKS UP TO her mother.

Usage Examples: look forward to, look up to 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 up to

Example

Many children look up to their parents as role models.

Example

She looks up to her teacher for guidance and support.

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 my vacation next month.

eagerly anticipate

To look forward to something with great excitement and expectation.

Example

She eagerly anticipated the release of her favorite author's new book.

count down the days

To keep track of the days remaining until a particular event or activity.

Example

He counted down the days until his wedding day.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Look up to

admire greatly

To have a high opinion of someone and respect them for their qualities or achievements.

Example

I admire greatly my grandmother for her strength and resilience.

hold in high esteem

To have a great deal of respect or admiration for someone.

Example

She holds her mentor in high esteem for his guidance and support.

have a hero

To have someone who you admire and look up to as a role model.

Example

As a child, he had a hero in his favorite athlete.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “look”

• look ahead
• look into
• look up
• look on
• look to

Phrasal Verbs with “to”

• cater to
• stick to
• give way to
• warm to
• reduce to

Phrasal Verbs with “up to”

• measure up to
• cozy up to
• hook up to
• sidle up to
• lead up to

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

Frequency in Daily Use: look forward to or look up to?

Both look forward to and look up to are commonly used in everyday conversations. However, look forward to is more frequently used than look up to because it is related to daily activities and plans. On the other hand, look up to is used when we talk about people we admire or respect.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of look forward to and look up to

Look forward to and look up to are both informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, look up to can be used in more formal settings such as business or academic contexts to express admiration or respect towards someone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of look forward to and look up to

The tone of look forward to is usually positive and enthusiastic, while the tone of look up to is more respectful and admiring.

look forward to & look up to: Synonyms and Antonyms

Look forward to

Synonyms

• anticipate
• await
• expect
• hope for
• eagerly await
• be excited about
• can't wait for

Antonyms

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

Look up to

Synonyms

• admire
• respect
• esteem
• revere
• honor
• venerate
• idolize
• regard highly

Antonyms

• disrespect
• disregard
• disdain
• scorn
• despise
• disapprove
• look down on