# look back

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/look-back
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to think about something that happened in the past. You use this when you remember a time or an event from your life.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I look back my school days." but "I look back on my school days." — the verb requires the preposition 'on' or 'at' before a noun object.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.