What are the definitions of “look ahead”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To plan or prepare for the future.
It is about looking ahead for problems and closing them down, preferably before they happen.
- 2To think about or plan for the future.
Look ahead and make the most of social prospects.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “look ahead”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb look ahead is to think about or plan for the future. It is often used when discussing goals, strategies, or making preparations for upcoming events or situations.
What are the different verb forms of “look ahead”?
| Root Verb | look ahead |
| Third Person Singular Present | looks ahead |
| Present Participle | looking ahead |
| Simple Past | looked ahead |
| Past Participle | looked ahead |
Example
We should always look ahead and plan for our future.
Example
She looks ahead and sets goals for herself.
Example
He is looking ahead to his retirement and making plans.
Example
They looked ahead and made a plan for their vacation.
Example
We have looked ahead and prepared for the upcoming challenges.
What kind of phrasal verb is “look ahead”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“look ahead” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
We need to look ahead and plan for our future.
Example
She always looks ahead when making decisions.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“look ahead” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
We need to look ahead and plan for our future.
Example
She always looks ahead when making decisions.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “look ahead”?
Good things to know
Does “look ahead” have an informal or formal tone?
Look ahead is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
