Look on sb Meaning, Examples & How to Use This Phrasal Verb

What Does “Look on sb” Mean?

“Look on sb” means to regard or consider someone in a particular way, often with a sense of opinion or judgment.

Introduction

The phrasal verb “look on sb” is commonly used when talking about how someone views or perceives another person. The phrase “look on sb meaning” often refers to the way one forms an opinion or attitude towards someone else. It is frequently used in both formal and informal contexts to express feelings like respect, sympathy, or even disapproval. Understanding how to use “look on sb” correctly helps learners communicate their thoughts about others clearly and naturally. In this article, we will explore the meaning, grammar, examples, and common uses of “look on sb” to help you master this useful phrase.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: look on somebody
• Type: transitive
• Level: B2
• Short meaning: to regard or consider someone in a particular way

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Look on sb” is an inseparable phrasal verb, which means you cannot separate the verb “look” and the particle “on” with the object. The structure is always:

• look on + somebody (object)

Example pattern:

• Subject + look(s) on + somebody + (as) + complement

Note: The word “as” can be added for clarification but is not always necessary.

How to Use “Look on sb”?

Use “look on sb” when you want to express how someone views or judges another person. It often implies a thoughtful or emotional perspective, such as respect, pity, or admiration. You can use it in both positive and negative contexts.

For example, you might say, “I look on her as a great leader,” meaning you consider her to be a great leader. Alternatively, “They look on him with suspicion” means they regard him suspiciously.

Examples

Here are some examples of “look on sb in a sentence” to help you understand its use:

• Many people look on the new teacher as strict but fair.
• She looks on her grandmother with great affection.
• We should not look on him as a failure just because of one mistake.
• The community looks on the volunteers as heroes.
• He looked on his opponent with disdain during the debate.

Common Mistakes

People often confuse “look on sb” with “look at sb” or “look after sb.” Here are some examples of incorrect versus correct usage:

• Incorrect: I look on him every day. (This suggests physically looking at someone, which is incorrect.)
• Correct: I look on him as a role model.
• Incorrect: She looks on her little brother. (This suggests care, which is wrong here.)
• Correct: She looks on her little brother with pride.

Remember, “look on sb” always relates to perception or opinion, not physical observation or care.

Differences / Synonyms

“Look on sb” is similar to “regard sb,” “view sb,” or “see sb as.” However, “look on sb” often carries a more emotional or subjective tone. For example:

• “Look on sb” implies a personal opinion or feeling.
• “Regard sb” is more formal and neutral.
• “See sb as” focuses on classification or role.

Example: – I look on him as a friend. (Emotional connection) – I regard him as a friend. (More formal) – I see him as a friend. (Neutral classification)

Common Collocations

When using “look on sb,” some common collocations include:

• Look on sb as + noun: regard someone as something (e.g., a leader, a friend)
• Look on sb with + emotion: feelings like respect, pity, suspicion, or affection
• Look on sb in + situation/context: considering someone in a specific way for a particular event or role

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of look on sb:

• Look After Sb
• Look To Sb
• Look Forward To Sth
• Look Sb Over
• Look Down On Sth

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation using “look on sb”:

Alice: How do you look on our new manager?

Ben: I look on her as very experienced and fair.

Alice: Yes, I agree. She treats everyone with respect.

Practice

Try to fill in the blanks with the correct form of “look on sb”:

• They ________ him as the best candidate for the job.
• We should not ________ her with suspicion without proof.
• Many people ________ the artist as a genius.
• She ________ her mentor with great admiration.

FAQs

• Q: Can “look on sb” mean physically watching someone?

  A: No, it refers to how you regard or consider someone, not just looking at them.
• Q: Is “look on sb” separable?

  A: No, it is an inseparable phrasal verb; the object always follows the phrase “look on.”

• Q: Can “look on sb” be used in formal writing?

  A: Yes, it is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
• Q: What is the difference between “look on sb” and “look after sb”?

  A: “Look on sb” means to regard someone, while “look after sb” means to take care of someone.

• Q: Can I use “look on sb” with emotions?

  A: Yes, it is common to say “look on sb with respect,” “with suspicion,” or “with affection.”