What are the definitions of “look in on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Visit briefly to see if everything's all right.
I'm going to LOOK IN ON grannie on the way home tonight as she's been a bit unwell recently.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “look in on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb look in on is to visit someone briefly to check if they are okay or if everything is all right. This is often used when someone is unwell, or when you want to make sure that a person or situation is safe and secure.
What are the different verb forms of “look in on”?
| Root Verb | look in on |
| Third Person Singular Present | looks in on |
| Present Participle | looking in on |
| Simple Past | looked in on |
| Past Participle | looked in on |
Example
I will look in on my neighbor to see if she needs any help.
Example
She looks in on her elderly aunt every week.
Example
He is looking in on his friend who just had surgery.
Example
Yesterday, they looked in on their new puppy during lunch break.
Example
The teacher looked in on the students during their group work.
What kind of phrasal verb is “look in on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“look in on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
I looked in on my friend after her surgery.
Example
She looked in on her plants while she was away.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“look in on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
I looked in on my friend after her surgery.
Example
She looked in on her plants while she was away.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “look in on”?
Look in on someone
To visit someone briefly to check if they are okay or if everything is all right.
Example
I will look in on my sister after her surgery to make sure she is recovering well.
Look in on something
To check on a situation or place to ensure that everything is going smoothly or as planned.
Example
The manager looked in on the construction site to ensure the project was on schedule.
Good things to know
Does “look in on” have an informal or formal tone?
Look in on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the specific context. For example, it can be used when discussing personal matters, such as visiting a friend or family member, or in professional situations, such as checking on a project or meeting.
