Phrasal verbs "look out" vs "look to"

Differences between look out and look to

Look out is used to warn someone about a potential danger or threat, while look to is used to indicate reliance on someone or something for help or support.

Meanings and Definitions: look out vs look to

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Look out

• 1. Be careful.

  LOOK OUT; you're going to drop that!

Look to

• 1. Expect, hope.

  The company is LOOKING TO increase its sales in Asia.

Usage Examples: look out, look to in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

look out

Example

Always look out for cars when crossing the street.

Example

She 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

watch out

To be careful or cautious about something that may cause harm or danger.

Example

Watch out for the slippery floor, it's wet.

be on the lookout

To be alert and watchful for something or someone.

Example

The police are on the lookout for a suspect who robbed a convenience store last night.

keep an eye out

To watch or look for something carefully.

Example

Can you keep an eye out for my package? It should arrive today.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Look to

count on

To rely on someone or something for help or support.

Example

I can always count on my best friend to cheer me up when I'm feeling down.

turn to

To seek help or advice from someone or something.

Example

When I have a problem, I usually turn to my parents for guidance.

depend on

To rely on someone or something for support or assistance.

Example

The success of the project depends on everyone working together as a team.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “look”

• look on as
• look up
• look over
• look into
• look down on

Phrasal Verbs with “out”

• camp out
• pad out
• wait out
• nose out
• cry out

Phrasal Verbs with “to”

• hark back to
• come to
• warm to
• cling to
• bow to

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

Frequency in Daily Use: look out or look to?

In daily conversation, people use look out more often than look to. This is because look out is used in a variety of situations where someone needs to be warned about a potential danger. Look to is not used as much in everyday conversation, but it can be used in more formal settings.

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

Look out and look to are both informal phrases that are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. However, look to can also be used in more formal settings like business or academic contexts to indicate reliance on someone or something for help or support.

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

The tone of look out and look to can differ based on context. Look out often carries a sense of urgency or warning, while look to typically has a more positive and hopeful tone, especially when referring to relying on someone or something for help or support.

look out & look to: Synonyms and Antonyms

Look out

Synonyms

• beware
• be careful
• watch out
• be alert
• be cautious
• be vigilant
• pay attention

Antonyms

• ignore
• disregard
• neglect
• overlook
• be careless
• be inattentive

Look to

Synonyms

• expect
• hope
• trust
• anticipate
• plan
• intend
• rely on
• depend on
• count on

Antonyms

• distrust
• doubt
• disregard
• ignore
• neglect
• overlook