What are the definitions of “look for”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Try to find.
I've been LOOKING FOR all their hidden files, but I can't find them anywhere.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “look for”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb look for is to try to find something or someone. It is often used when searching for a lost item, a person, or information.
What are the different verb forms of “look for”?
| Root Verb | look for |
| Third Person Singular Present | looks for |
| Present Participle | looking for |
| Simple Past | looked for |
| Past Participle | looked for |
Example
I always look for my keys before leaving the house.
Example
She looks for her glasses every morning.
Example
He is looking for a new job in the city.
Example
Yesterday, they looked for a place to eat lunch.
Example
The lost dog was looked for by the entire neighborhood.
What kind of phrasal verb is “look for”?
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 for” 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 for her missing wallet.
Example
He looked for a solution to the problem.
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 for” 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 for her missing wallet.
Example
He looked for a solution to the problem.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “look for”?
Good things to know
Does “look for” have an informal or formal tone?
Look for 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 in business or academic discussions.
