LOOK FOR – phrasal verb – meanings and examples Woodward English

The English phrasal verb LOOK FOR has the following meaning:

1. Look for = to search / to try to find

(transitive) When a person is searching for or trying to find someone or something. You often look for something when you have lost it or need it. A synonyms is to search. This phrasal verb is frequently used in a progressive tense.

  • I’ve been looking for this book for years!
  • John is looking for a new job.
  • She has been looking for love in all the wrong places.
  • Someone came to the office looking for you.
  • She looked for her name on the list but couldn’t find it.
  • I have spent an hour looking for my keys. I don’t know where they are.
  • A: Can I help you?
    B: Yes, I’m looking for some new shoes for work.
  • Is this the magazine you were looking for?
  • The detective is looking for clues to solve the case.
  • He is looking for hidden treasure.

Look for – Summary Chart

LOOK FOR - Meaning and examples of this English Phrasal Verb

Looking for trouble

Another use of looking for is in the expression: Looking for trouble.

Looking for trouble = to behave in a way that is likely to get you into trouble or in an argument or fight.

  • I wouldn’t do that if I were you… you are just looking for trouble if you do it.

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