1 B1 neutral
To make a brief visit to someone to check that they are well or that everything is fine.
"I try to look in on my elderly neighbour every couple of days to make sure she's all right."
inseparable
look in on
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To make a brief visit to a person to check on their wellbeing or to see how they are doing.
In plain English
To visit someone quickly, usually to make sure they are okay.
What does "look in on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To briefly observe or monitor a situation or place informally.
"The manager looked in on the meeting for five minutes before heading to the next appointment."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To briefly look in (inside) on (directed toward) a person or place.
Actually means
To visit someone quickly, usually to make sure they are okay.
Usage tip
Common in both British and American English. Implies genuine care for the person being visited, not just a social call. Often used when visiting someone who is ill, elderly, or alone. Can also be used for checking on a situation or place.
Words that pair with "look in on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
elderly neighbour patient children friend later
How to conjugate "look in on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
look in on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
looks in on
he/she/it
Past simple
looked in on
yesterday
Past participle
looked in on
have + pp
-ing form
looking in on
continuous
Hear "look in on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "look in on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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