Quick Definition
Look Up — To search for information in a book or online; to visit someone; (of a situation) to improve.
Meanings of Look Up
| Meaning | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Search for info | Look up the word in a dictionary. | Search for its meaning. |
| Visit someone | Look me up next time you're in Dublin. | Come and visit me. |
| Improve (situation) | Things are finally looking up. | The situation is improving. |
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Meaning in Context |
|---|---|
| Look up the word in a dictionary. | Search for its meaning. |
| Look me up next time you're in Dublin. | Come and visit me. |
| Things are finally looking up. | The situation is improving. |
| "Don't worry -- I'll look up it." | Using it in a short reassurance. |
Grammar Notes
Separability & Transitivity
Type: separable | Transitivity: transitive / intransitive
Separable when meaning 'search': look the word up or look up the word. Intransitive for 'improving': things are looking up.
How to Use Look Up
Neutral. The 'search' meaning is extremely common in digital contexts ('look it up online').
| Register | Example / Notes |
|---|---|
| Informal / Spoken | Look up the word in a dictionary. |
| Neutral / Written | Consider context; single-word synonyms may suit formal writing. |
Similar Phrasal Verbs
Practise Look Up
Practice English Phrasal Verbs
Use these exercises to master phrasal verbs in context:
Frequently Asked Questions about Look Up
What does "Look Up" mean?
"Look Up" means: To search for information in a book or online; to visit someone; (of a situation) to improve. It is a transitive / intransitive phrasal verb rated CEFR B1.
Is "Look Up" separable or inseparable?
"Look Up" is separable. Separable when meaning 'search': look the word up or look up the word. Intransitive for 'improving': things are looking up.
How do I use "Look Up" in a sentence?
Look up the word in a dictionary. -- in this example, 'Look Up' means search for its meaning.
What is the register of "Look Up"?
Neutral. The 'search' meaning is extremely common in digital contexts ('look it up online').
What CEFR level is "Look Up"?
"Look Up" is typically taught at CEFR B1 — Intermediate level. It appears frequently in neutral contexts.
What is the difference between "Look Up" and similar phrasal verbs?
"Look Up" specifically means: To search for information in a book or online; to visit someone; (of a situation) to improve. Compare with similar verbs in the 'Similar Phrasal Verbs' section below for nuanced differences.
Can "Look Up" be used formally?
Neutral. The 'search' meaning is extremely common in digital contexts ('look it up online'). When writing formally, consider whether a single-word synonym might be more appropriate for the context.
Does "Look Up" take an object?
"Look Up" is transitive / intransitive. Separable when meaning 'search': look the word up or look up the word. Intransitive for 'improving': things are looking up.
How can I practise "Look Up"?
Use LexFizz's Find the Match and Flip Tiles exercises to practise 'Look Up' in context. Seeing it in multiple sentences helps the meaning stick.
Is "Look Up" used in British or American English?
"Look Up" is used in both British and American English, though register and frequency may vary. Neutral. The 'search' meaning is extremely common in digital contexts ('look it up online').