What does the phrasal verb “look on as” mean?

What are the definitions of “look on as”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Consider, regard.

  I LOOK ON her AS a close friend.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb look on as is to consider or regard someone or something in a particular way. It means to view or think of someone or something in a specific manner.

What are the different verb forms of “look on as”?

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

Example

I look on her as a close friend.

Example

He looks on her as a mentor.

Example

They are looking on him as a potential leader.

Example

She looked on him as a brother.

Example

The painting was looked on as a masterpiece.

What kind of phrasal verb is “look on as”?

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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.)

Transitive verb

“look on as” 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

I look on her as a close friend.

Example

He looks on her as a mentor.

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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 on as” 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 look on her as a close friend.

Example

He looks on her as a mentor.

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

Look on the bright side

To focus on the positive aspects of a situation, even if it is difficult or unpleasant.

Example

Even though we lost the game, let's look on the bright side – we played well and learned a lot.

Look on with

To watch or observe something without participating.

Example

The crowd looked on with amazement as the magician performed his tricks.

Good things to know

Does “look on as” have an informal or formal tone?

Look on as 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 academic writing or professional discussions.

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

Synonyms

• consider
• regard
• view
• see
• perceive
• deem
• think of

Antonyms

• disregard
• ignore
• overlook
• neglect
• dismiss