What are the definitions of “look out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be careful.
LOOK OUT; you're going to drop that!
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “look out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb look out is to be careful or pay attention to potential dangers or problems. It is often used as a warning to someone to avoid an accident or a dangerous situation.
What are the different verb forms of “look out”?
| Root Verb | look out |
| Third Person Singular Present | looks out |
| Present Participle | looking out |
| Simple Past | looked out |
| Past Participle | looked out |
Example
Always look out for cars when crossing the street.
Example
She looks out for her younger brother at school.
Example
He is looking out for any signs of trouble.
Example
Yesterday, they looked out for each other during the trip.
Example
The lifeguard has always looked out for swimmers in distress.
What kind of phrasal verb is “look out”?
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 out” 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
Look out! There's a car coming.
Example
Look out! The floor is slippery.
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 out” 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
Look out! There's a car coming.
Example
Look out! The floor is slippery.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “look out”?
Good things to know
Does “look out” have an informal or formal tone?
Look out is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in both casual and more formal settings, depending on the context. For example, a teacher might use look out when warning students about potential hazards during a field trip, while friends might use it in casual conversations to remind each other to be careful.
