Phrasal verb
look around
Meanings
to turn your head or eyes to see what is around you
to explore a place casually, especially a shop or new location, without a fixed plan
to search for something by checking nearby places
Definition
To look around means to turn your eyes in different directions to see what is nearby or to explore a place.
When you look around, you move your gaze from side to side to see what is in your surroundings. People often look around when they arrive somewhere new, are searching for something, or want to get a general idea of a place. It can be done quickly or slowly, depending on the situation.
Examples
- I look around and realize I’m in the wrong hallway.
- You can look around the museum before we join the tour.
- He looked around for his phone, but it was in his pocket.
- She looked around the farmers’ market and bought some peaches.
- They looked around to see who was calling their names.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "look around" (move your eyes to see surroundings) with "look for" (search for a specific thing).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.