look for

Meaning

This is a common phrasal verb that means to search for something or someone that is lost, missing, or needed. You can use it when searching for physical objects like keys, or abstract things like a new job or a solution to a problem. It is a vital part of everyday spoken English.

Examples

• Can you help me look for my car keys? I can't find them.

  Can you help me look for my car keys? I can't find them.

• She is currently looking for a new job in the city.

  She is currently looking for a new job in the city.

• I went to the supermarket to look for some fresh strawberries.

  I went to the supermarket to look for some fresh strawberries.

• What are you looking for under the sofa?

  What are you looking for under the sofa?

• We need to look for a restaurant that has vegetarian options.

  We need to look for a restaurant that has vegetarian options.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I am looking my glasses everywhere.

  ✓ I am looking for my glasses everywhere.

  "Look" without "for" means to direct your eyes at something. You must include the preposition "for" to mean "searching".

• ✗ He is searching for look for his dog.

  ✓ He is looking for his dog.

  Do not combine "search for" and "look for" into one phrase; they mean the same thing.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I need to ___ a cheap apartment near the train station.

  💡 Search or try to find.

  Show answer

  look for

• Are you still ___ your lost cat?

  💡 Searching for something that is missing.

  Show answer

  looking for