What are the definitions of “look back”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Think 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”?
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.
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”?
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.