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Phrasal verbs "look in on" vs "look on"

Differences between look in on and look on

Look in on means to visit someone briefly to check on them or see how they are doing, while look on means to watch something happen without getting involved.

Meanings and Definitions: look in on vs look on

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Look in on

  • 1Visit briefly to see if everything's all right.

    I'm going to LOOK IN ON grannie on the way home tonight as she's been a bit unwell recently.

Look on

  • 1Watch something like a crime without helping.

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

Usage Examples: look in on, look on in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

look in on

Example

I will look in on my neighbor to see if she needs any help.

Example

She looks in on her elderly aunt every week.

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 Look in on

check up on

To visit or contact someone to make sure they are okay or to see if they need any help.

Example

I'm going to check up on my neighbor to see if she needs anything from the store.

drop by

To visit someone briefly and informally.

Example

I'm going to drop by my friend's house to say hello before heading home.

pop in

To visit someone briefly and unexpectedly.

Example

I'm going to pop in on my sister to surprise her for her birthday.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Look on

observe

To watch something carefully and attentively.

Example

The scientists were able to observe the behavior of the animals in their natural habitat.

watch from the sidelines

To observe a situation without getting involved.

Example

I decided to watch from the sidelines and let my colleagues handle the project.

spectate

To watch a game or event as a spectator.

Example

We went to the stadium to spectate the football match between our favorite teams.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “on”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: look in on or look on?

Both phrases are used in everyday conversation, but look on is more common. It's often used when talking about watching a game or an event, while look in on is used when checking on someone, like a friend or family member.

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

Both look in on and look on are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations with friends and family. However, look on can also be used in more formal settings, such as academic discussions or business meetings.

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

The tone of look in on is usually caring or concerned, while the tone of look on is neutral or detached.

look in on & look on: Synonyms and Antonyms

Look in on

Synonyms

  • visit
  • see
  • check on
  • drop by
  • stop by
  • call on
  • pop in

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