Phrasal verb
look back
Meanings
to think about or remember the past
to turn your head or eyes to see what is behind you
Definition
To look back means to think about or remember the past.
To look back is to think about past events or experiences, often to understand them or remember them. It can also mean to turn your head or eyes to see what is behind you. People use it when reflecting on earlier times or when physically checking something behind them.
Examples
- I look back on that trip and smile.
- She looked back to see if the door was still open.
- They look back at their early mistakes and learn from them.
- You will look back someday and realize how fast it all changed.
Common mistake
Learners often say "look back to" when they mean remembering; use "look back on" for reflecting on the past.
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.