What are the definitions of “look round”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Inspect a house.
We LOOKED ROUND the house and decided that we didn't like it enough to buy it.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “look round”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb look round is to inspect or examine a place, such as a house, by walking around and observing its features. This is often done when considering buying or renting a property.
What are the different verb forms of “look round”?
| Root Verb | look round |
| Third Person Singular Present | looks round |
| Present Participle | looking round |
| Simple Past | looked round |
| Past Participle | looked round |
Example
We looked round the apartment before deciding to rent it.
Example
She looks round the store to find the perfect dress.
Example
They are looking round the museum during their visit.
Example
Yesterday, he looked round the office space for his new business.
Example
The couple had looked round several houses before finding their dream home.
What kind of phrasal verb is “look round”?
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 round” 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
We looked round the house before making an offer.
Example
She looked round the art gallery during her trip.
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 round” 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
We looked round the house before making an offer.
Example
She looked round the art gallery during her trip.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “look round”?
Good things to know
Does “look round” have an informal or formal tone?
Look round is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as when discussing property inspections or visiting a professional environment.