What does the phrasal verb “look at” mean?

What are the definitions of “look at”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Examine or inspect.

  I’d like a skin specialist to look at that rash of yours.

• 2. Direct your gaze towards someone or something.

  Look at Helen. She’s much happier now she’s changed jobs.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb look at is to direct your eyes towards someone or something, or to examine or inspect something closely. It can be used to describe observing a person, object, or situation.

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

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

Example

Please look at the painting on the wall.

Example

She looks at the menu before ordering.

Example

He is looking at the beautiful sunset.

Example

Yesterday, they looked at the new car they wanted to buy.

Example

The documents have been looked at by the manager.

What kind of phrasal verb is “look at”?

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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.)

Transitive verb

“look at” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

She looked at the beautiful painting.

Example

He looked at the report carefully.

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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 at” 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

She looked at the beautiful painting.

Example

He looked at the report carefully.

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

Look at the time

An expression used to draw attention to the current time, often when it is later than expected or when someone is running late.

Example

Look at the time! We need to leave now or we'll be late for the meeting.

Look at it this way

A phrase used to suggest a different perspective or point of view on a situation.

Example

I know you're disappointed, but look at it this way: you gained valuable experience for the next opportunity.

Look at someone/something in a new light

To reconsider or reevaluate someone or something based on new information or a different perspective.

Example

After hearing her side of the story, I looked at the situation in a new light.

Good things to know

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

Look at 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.

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

Synonyms

• examine
• inspect
• observe
• view
• watch
• study
• scrutinize
• survey
• gaze at
• glance at

Antonyms

• ignore
• overlook
• disregard
• neglect
• avoid
• avert
• turn away