What are the definitions of “look up to”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Respect.
She's LOOKS UP TO her mother.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “look up to”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb look up to is to respect or admire someone. It is often used to describe the feelings of admiration we have for people we consider role models or who have qualities we value.
What are the different verb forms of “look up to”?
| Root Verb | look up to |
| Third Person Singular Present | looks up to |
| Present Participle | looking up to |
| Simple Past | looked up to |
| Past Participle | looked up to |
Example
Many children look up to their parents as role models.
Example
She looks up to her teacher for guidance and support.
Example
He is looking up to his older brother for inspiration.
Example
When I was younger, I looked up to my favorite athlete.
Example
She has always looked up to her grandmother for her wisdom and kindness.
What kind of phrasal verb is “look up to”?
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 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
I look up to my mentor for guidance.
Example
She looks up to her mother for her strength and resilience.
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 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
I look up to my mentor for guidance.
Example
She looks up to her mother for her strength and resilience.
Good things to know
Does “look up to” have an informal or formal tone?
Look up 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 speeches or written communication.
