Phrasal verb
look back
Definition
phrasal verb. to think about something that happened in the past. You use this when you remember a time or an event from your life.
phrasal verb. to reflect on or reconsider past events. The verb is intransitive and frequently collocates with 'on' or 'at' to introduce the subject of reflection.
Examples
“I often look back and wonder why I was so worried.”
“As the couple celebrated their fiftieth anniversary, they spent the evening looking back on the many challenges they had overcome together.”
“While it is tempting to look back at the previous administration with nostalgia, a sober analysis reveals significant systemic failures that began during that period.”
Examples
simple
“I often look back and wonder why I was so worried.”
contextual
“As the couple celebrated their fiftieth anniversary, they spent the evening looking back on the many challenges they had overcome together.”
complex
“While it is tempting to look back at the previous administration with nostalgia, a sober analysis reveals significant systemic failures that began during that period.”
Usage
usually followed by 'on' or 'at' when you want to mention a specific event or time.
Teaching tip
use a timeline on the board to show 'look back' pointing to the past and 'look forward' pointing to the future.
Pitfall
I look back my school days.
I look back on my school days.
the verb requires the preposition 'on' or 'at' before a noun object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
back
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
look + back
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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