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
- 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
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/look-up