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

Differences between look out for and look to

Look out for means to be careful and watchful for potential danger or problems, while look to means to rely on or seek help from someone or something.

Meanings and Definitions: look out for vs look to

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

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.

Look to

  • 1Expect, hope.

    The company is LOOKING TO increase its sales in Asia.

Usage Examples: look out for, look to in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

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.

look to

Example

We look to the future with optimism.

Example

She looks to her parents for guidance.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Look out for

be on the lookout

To be watchful and alert for potential danger or problems.

Example

When walking alone at night, it's important to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity.

keep an eye out

To be vigilant and observant for potential danger or problems.

Example

I'll keep an eye out for your package and let you know when it arrives.

watch one's step

To be cautious and careful in one's actions or decisions.

Example

She needs to watch her step when dealing with difficult clients to avoid any misunderstandings.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Look to

turn to

To seek help, advice, or support from someone or something.

Example

When facing a difficult decision, she always turns to her best friend for guidance.

rely on

To depend on or trust in someone or something for support or assistance.

Example

He knows he can rely on his team to deliver high-quality work on time.

count on

To trust or expect someone or something to do what is needed or promised.

Example

You can count on me to be there for you when you need me.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “to”

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

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

In daily conversation, people use look out for more often than look to. This is because look out for is used in many situations where we need to be cautious, such as crossing the street or avoiding scams. Look to is less common but still used in certain contexts, such as seeking advice or guidance from a mentor or expert.

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

Look out for and look to are both informal phrases that can be used in casual conversations. However, look to can also be used in more formal settings, such as business or academic contexts, to convey a respectful tone when seeking help or guidance.

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

The tone of look out for and look to can differ based on context. Look out for often carries a warning or protective tone, while look to typically has a hopeful or respectful tone, especially when seeking advice or support.

look out for & look to: Synonyms and Antonyms

Look out for

Synonyms

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