What are the definitions of “look over”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Inspect.
They came to LOOK the house OVER with a view to buying it.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “look over”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb look over is to inspect or examine something carefully. It is often used when checking a document, a piece of work, or an object to make sure it is correct or in good condition.
What are the different verb forms of “look over”?
| Root Verb | look over |
| Third Person Singular Present | looks over |
| Present Participle | looking over |
| Simple Past | looked over |
| Past Participle | looked over |
Example
Please look over the report before submitting it.
Example
She looks over her notes before the presentation.
Example
He is looking over the contract before signing it.
Example
Yesterday, they looked over the house before buying it.
Example
The teacher had looked over all the essays before grading them.
What kind of phrasal verb is “look over”?
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 over” 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 over the document carefully.
Example
He looked the car over before purchasing it.
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 over” 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 over the document carefully.
Example
He looked the car over before purchasing it.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “look over”?
Good things to know
Does “look over” have an informal or formal tone?
Look over is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as professional settings, depending on the specific context.
