LOOK UP TO

"In every stage of life, find those you can look up to; they illuminate paths untraveled, nurturing dreams and guiding aspirations."

📖 Definition

To 'look up to' someone means to admire and respect them, often because of their achievements, qualities, or values. It denotes a sense of aspiration and reverence.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To 'look up to' someone means to admire and respect them, often because of their achievements, qualities, or values. It denotes a sense of aspiration and reverence.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
The object cannot separate the verb and particle.
Register
Informal
Commonly used in casual and everyday language.
Transitive
Yes
Requires a direct object, typically a person or figure admired.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple look up to Many students look up to their teachers for guidance.
Past Simple looked up to She looked up to her grandmother as a source of wisdom.
Present Continuous looking up to The children are constantly looking up to their favorite athletes.
Present Perfect have looked up to I have always looked up to my elder brother for direction.

💡 When to Use

Admiring someone's achievements
Use it when you want to express admiration or respect for someone's skills or accomplishments.
Example: "Young musicians often look up to famous artists."
Seeking guidance or inspiration
Employed when someone is seen as a role model or a source of motivation.
Example: "I look up to my coach because of his perseverance."
Considering someone a role model
Use this phrase when you view someone as an ideal to emulate.
Example: "As a mentor, she is someone many look up to."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Missing object
❌ Wrong: He looks up to.
✅ Correct: He looks up to his father.
💡 Tip: Always specify whom you admire.
Incorrect separability
❌ Wrong: He looks his brother up to.
✅ Correct: He looks up to his brother.
💡 Tip: Remember, it's not separable.
Using with objects that aren't people or figures
❌ Wrong: She looks up to the project.
✅ Correct: She looks up to her project leader.
💡 Tip: The object should be a person or a figure.
Practice

LOOK UP TO - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

  • 1
    Listen to example

    As a scientist, she looked up to Marie Curie for her groundbreaking research and dedication.

    TV The Magic Box
  • 2
    Listen to example

    After reading his biography, many students look up to Nelson Mandela for his unwavering commitment to justice.

    TV The Magic Box
  • 3
    Listen to example

    Growing up, I always looked up to my big sister for her kindness and resilience.

    TV The Magic Box

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

admire respect

Antonyms

look down on

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Children often ___ their parents for both guidance and inspiration."

look in on
look up to
look into
look over

Frequently Asked Questions about Look Up To

What is the origin of look up to?

+
The phrase 'look up to' dates back to the 17th century, initially used in the literal sense of gazing upwards, eventually evolving into the metaphorical form recognized today.

Can look up to be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, while primarily informal, 'look up to' can be employed in both contexts to denote admiration. Contextual nuance and professionalism dictate its appropriateness.

What is the difference between look up to and admire?

+
'Look up to' specifically involves aspiration or idolization, often suggesting a mentor-mentee relationship, whereas 'admire' is more general, reflecting an appreciation of qualities or actions.
Browse All TV The Magic Box Phrasal Verbs
Human Communication Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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