1 A2 neutral
To try to find a person or physical object by searching.
"I've been looking for my keys for twenty minutes — have you seen them?"
inseparable
look for
A2 neutral inseparable transitive
To try to find someone or something by searching.
In plain English
To try to find something or someone.
What does "look for" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To seek something abstract, such as a job, a solution, or a relationship.
"She's been looking for a new job since the company downsized last spring."
inseparable
3 B1 neutral
To try to find or understand the meaning, cause, or reason for something.
"Scientists are still looking for the cause of this unusual weather pattern."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To direct your gaze (look) in order to find (for) something.
Actually means
To try to find something or someone.
Usage tip
One of the most fundamental and high-frequency phrasal verbs in English. Used for everything from searching for physical objects to seeking abstract things like a job or an answer. Cannot be separated.
Words that pair with "look for"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
job answer keys solution apartment partner
How to conjugate "look for"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
look for
I/you/we/they
3rd person
looks for
he/she/it
Past simple
looked for
yesterday
Past participle
looked for
have + pp
-ing form
looking for
continuous
Hear "look for" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "look for" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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