Browse all

look around

A2 neutral inseparable both
In simple words

To look at the things near you or to walk through a place to see what's there.

Literal meaning: To direct your gaze around (in a circular or scanning motion) to see what surrounds you.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To turn and look in different directions to see what is near you or what is happening.

"She looked around nervously before knocking on the door."

Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 neutral

To visit a place and examine it, walking through or touring it casually.

"We had an hour to look around the old cathedral before the tour bus left."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 neutral

To search or explore generally for something, without a specific target.

"I'm just looking around for a new laptop — I haven't decided on a model yet."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Very common in everyday speech. Can be used literally (turning your head to see what is nearby) or in the context of visiting a place (looking around a museum, shop, or house). Common in retail contexts: 'Just looking around, thanks.'

Commonly used with

shop house museum city room neighbourhood

Forms

Base
look around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
looks around
he/she/it
Past simple
looked around
yesterday
Past participle
looked around
have + pp
-ing form
looking around
continuous

Understand "look around" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "look around" on Looplines