look out
/lʊk aʊt/
Meaning
This phrasal verb is most commonly used as an exclamation to warn someone of immediate danger or to tell them to be careful. It means to be vigilant, alert, or watchful of your surroundings.
Examples
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Look out! There's a car coming!
Look out! There's a car coming!
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You should look out for ice on the pavement during winter.
You should look out for ice on the pavement during winter.
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Look out! You're about to step in a puddle.
Look out! You're about to step in a puddle.
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When hiking in this area, look out for loose rocks.
When hiking in this area, look out for loose rocks.
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Look out, the ceiling is very low here!
Look out, the ceiling is very low here!
Common Mistakes
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✗ Look out the car!
✓ Look out for the car!
When warning someone about a specific hazard, you must use the preposition 'for' ('look out for [something]'). Without 'for', 'look out' simply means to gaze through an opening like a window.
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✗ Be looking out!
✓ Look out!
As an urgent, imperative warning, we always use the simple form 'Look out!', never the continuous aspect.
Related Expressions
Practice
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___ ___! That branch is about to fall!
💡 Warning of sudden danger.
Show answer
Look out
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When you walk through the forest, ___ ___ for snakes.
💡 Be alert to avoid them.
Show answer
look out