English Reference

Phrasal verb

look up

Definition

phrasal verb. to search for information in a book, list, or online.

phrasal verb. to consult a reference source (book, database, website) in order to find specific information.

Examples

“I look up new words in my dictionary.”

“She looked up the train times on her phone before leaving the house.”

“During the lecture, he discreetly looked up the etymology of the term on his tablet.”

Examples

simple

“I look up new words in my dictionary.”

contextual

“She looked up the train times on her phone before leaving the house.”

complex

“During the lecture, he discreetly looked up the etymology of the term on his tablet.”

Usage

se/when the object is a pronoun it must come between verb and particle.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'find out' (to discover a fact) and 'search for' (ongoing process); 'look up' implies using a specific reference.

Pitfall

I looked up it in the dictionary.

I looked it up in the dictionary.

pronoun objects must be placed between the verb and the particle.

Phrasal verb

Particles

up

Separability

separable

Pattern

look + up + object / look + object-pronoun + up

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related words

Grammar

This entry

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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Very common
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/look-up

English Reference