What does the phrasal verb “look around” mean?

What are the definitions of “look around”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. To explore or examine a place.

  Do you want to look around the school?

• 2. To search or explore.

  We’ve started looking around for a house in Manchester.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “look around”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb look around is to explore or examine a place, often with the intention of finding something or getting familiar with the surroundings. It can be used when visiting a new place, searching for something, or simply observing the environment.

What are the different verb forms of “look around”?

Root Verb	look around
Third Person Singular Present	looks around
Present Participle	looking around
Simple Past	looked around
Past Participle	looked around

Example

When we arrived at the museum, we decided to look around first.

Example

She looks around the store to find the perfect gift.

Example

He is looking around the neighborhood to find a lost cat.

Example

Yesterday, they looked around the city to find a good restaurant.

Example

We had looked around the entire mall before finding the right store.

What kind of phrasal verb is “look around”?

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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 around” 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 looked around the new apartment.

Example

She looked around the park for a place to sit.

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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 around” 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 looked around the new apartment.

Example

She looked around the park for a place to sit.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “look around”?

Look around for something

To search or explore with the intention of finding a specific item or object.

Example

I've been looking around for a new pair of shoes, but I haven't found any I like yet.

Look around a place

To explore or examine a specific location, often to become familiar with it or to find something.

Example

We looked around the museum to see all the exhibits.

Look around before doing something

To observe or examine the surroundings before taking action, often to ensure safety or avoid problems.

Example

Always look around before crossing the street to make sure it's safe.

Good things to know

Does “look around” have an informal or formal tone?

Look around is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions, depending on the specific context.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “look around”?

Synonyms

• explore
• examine
• search
• observe
• inspect
• survey
• scout
• browse

Antonyms for {keyword}

• ignore
• overlook
• neglect
• disregard
• miss
• avoid