What are the definitions of “look on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Watch something like a crime without helping.
The crowd just LOOKED ON as the old lady was mugged.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “look on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb look on is to watch something happening without getting involved or helping. For example, it can mean observing a situation or event without participating or taking action.
What are the different verb forms of “look on”?
| Root Verb | look on |
| Third Person Singular Present | looks on |
| Present Participle | looking on |
| Simple Past | looked on |
| Past Participle | looked on |
Example
Many people looked on as the parade passed by.
Example
He looks on as his friends play basketball.
Example
She is looking on while her classmates work on the project.
Example
They looked on as the firefighters put out the fire.
Example
The crowd had looked on during the entire performance.
What kind of phrasal verb is “look on”?
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 on” 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
The bystanders looked on as the accident happened.
Example
She looked on while her friends danced.
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 on” 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
The bystanders looked on as the accident happened.
Example
She looked on while her friends danced.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “look on”?
Good things to know
Does “look on” have an informal or formal tone?
Look on 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.
