What does the phrasal verb “look back” mean?

What are the definitions of “look back”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Think about the past.

  Old people often LOOK BACK on over their lives.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb look back is to think about or remember past events or experiences. It is often used when people reflect on their lives or specific moments in their past.

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

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

Example

When I look back on my childhood, I have many happy memories.

Example

She often looks back on her college days with fondness.

Example

He is looking back on his past achievements with pride.

Example

Yesterday, they looked back on their wedding day and smiled.

Example

We have looked back on our vacation photos many times.

What kind of phrasal verb is “look back”?

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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 back” 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

I often look back on my high school years.

Example

She looked back on her time in the city with mixed feelings.

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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 back” 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

I often look back on my high school years.

Example

She looked back on her time in the city with mixed feelings.

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

Look back in time

To think about or study a specific period in history.

Example

Historians often look back in time to understand the causes of major events.

Look back on something with (emotion)

To remember a past event or experience with a specific emotion, such as happiness, sadness, or regret.

Example

She looks back on her time abroad with great joy.

Look back and (action)

To remember a past event or experience and then take some action or make a decision based on that memory.

Example

When I look back and see how far I've come, I feel motivated to keep going.

Good things to know

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

Look back 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 writing or presentations.

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

Synonyms

• reflect
• remember
• recall
• recollect
• ponder
• review
• think back
• contemplate

Antonyms

• forget
• disregard
• ignore
• overlook
• neglect