What does the phrasal verb “look in” mean?

What are the definitions of “look in”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Make a quick visit.

  I'll LOOK IN on my way home.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb look in is to make a quick visit to a place or person, usually to check on something or someone. It often implies that the visit is brief and not the main purpose of the trip.

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

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

Example

I will look in on my way home from work.

Example

She looks in on her elderly neighbor every day.

Example

He is looking in on his sick friend before going to the store.

Example

Yesterday, they looked in on their grandmother to see how she was doing.

Example

He had looked in on his friend to make sure he was okay.

What kind of phrasal verb is “look in”?

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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 in” 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'll look in on my way home.

Example

She looked in to see if her friend was feeling better.

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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 in” 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'll look in on my way home.

Example

She looked in to see if her friend was feeling better.

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

Look in on someone

To visit someone briefly, usually to check on their well-being or to provide assistance.

Example

I'll look in on my elderly neighbor to make sure she's doing well.

Look in on something

To briefly visit a place or event, often to check on the progress or status of something.

Example

The manager looked in on the meeting to see how the team was doing.

Good things to know

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

Look in 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, depending on the specific context.

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

Synonyms

• visit briefly
• check on
• drop by
• stop by
• pop in
• call in

Antonyms

• ignore
• neglect
• overlook
• avoid
• bypass