What are the definitions of “look up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Consult a reference work ( dictionary, phonebook, etc. ) for a specific piece of information..
I didn't know the correct spelling so I had to LOOK it UP in the dictionary.
- 2Improve.
The economy is LOOKING UP.
- 3Find, trace an old friend.
I LOOKED him UP when I went back to Cambridge.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “look up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb look up is to search for information in a reference source, such as a dictionary, phonebook, or online. For example, it can mean finding the meaning of a word in a dictionary, searching for a phone number in a phonebook, or looking up information on the internet.
What are the different verb forms of “look up”?
| Root Verb | look up |
| Third Person Singular Present | looks up |
| Present Participle | looking up |
| Simple Past | looked up |
| Past Participle | looked up |
Example
When I don't know a word, I look it up in the dictionary.
Example
She looks up new recipes online every week.
Example
He is looking up the address of the restaurant on his phone.
Example
Yesterday, I looked up the meaning of a new word I learned.
Example
The information has already been looked up and verified.
What kind of phrasal verb is “look up”?
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 up” 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 looked up the word in the dictionary.
Example
She looked up her friend's phone number.
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 up” 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 looked up the word in the dictionary.
Example
She looked up her friend's phone number.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “look up”?
Look up
Improve or become better, often used to describe a situation or condition.
Example
After a difficult year, things are finally starting to look up for him.
Good things to know
Does “look up” have an informal or formal tone?
Look up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as academic or professional environments. The specific context and usage will determine the level of formality.
