Phrasal verb
look out
Meanings
to warn someone to be careful or to avoid danger
to search for or watch carefully for someone or something
to take care of someone or to protect someone’s interests
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Definition
“Look out” is used to warn someone to be careful because danger is near.
“Look out” is a phrasal verb used as a warning when something dangerous might happen. People say it to get someone’s attention quickly so they can avoid harm. It can also mean to watch carefully for someone or something, or to take care of someone’s needs.
Examples
- Look out! That branch is falling.
- I always look out for my keys before I leave the house.
- She looked out for her little brother at the playground.
- They told us to look out when the train pulled in.
Common mistake
Learners often forget the word “for” when they mean “search/watch,” saying “look out my wallet” instead of “look out for my wallet.”
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.