What does the phrasal verb “look to” mean?

What are the definitions of “look to”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Expect, hope.

  The company is LOOKING TO increase its sales in Asia.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb look to is to expect or hope for something to happen or to rely on someone or something for help or support. For example, it can mean expecting a positive outcome, hoping for success, or relying on someone's expertise.

What are the different verb forms of “look to”?

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

Example

We look to the future with optimism.

Example

She looks to her parents for guidance.

Example

They are looking to expand their business internationally.

Example

He looked to his friends for support during difficult times.

Example

The team had looked to their coach for motivation.

What kind of phrasal verb is “look to”?

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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 to” 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

We look to our leaders for guidance.

Example

She looked to her friends for support.

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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 to” 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 look to our leaders for guidance.

Example

She looked to her friends for support.

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

Look to someone/something for something

Rely on someone or something for help, support, or guidance.

Example

When faced with a difficult decision, she always looks to her family for advice.

Look to the future

Focus on what is going to happen or what can be done in the future, rather than dwelling on the past.

Example

We must learn from our mistakes and look to the future with hope and determination.

Look to do something

Plan or intend to do something.

Example

The company is looking to hire more employees to meet the growing demand.

Good things to know

Does “look to” have an informal or formal tone?

Look to 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 business meetings or academic discussions.

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

Synonyms

• expect
• hope
• trust
• anticipate
• plan
• intend
• rely on
• depend on
• count on

Antonyms

• distrust
• doubt
• disregard
• ignore
• neglect
• overlook