Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Look On'

📖 Definition

To 'look on' means to observe something passively without participating or intervening, often implying contemplation or casual interest in the unfolding event.

Examples in context

As the band played, the audience looked on with admiration.
The teachers looked on as the students performed their play.
During the lively match, fans looked on eagerly from the stands.

📖 Definition

To 'look on' means to observe something passively without participating or intervening, often implying contemplation or casual interest in the unfolding event.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

This phrasal verb cannot be split by an object.

Neutral

Suitable for both spoken and written contexts, neither formal nor overly casual.

Transitive

Does not take a direct object, focusing on the action of observing.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	look on	They look on as the parade passes by.
Past Simple	looked on	He looked on as the argument unfolded.
Present Continuous	looking on	The curious children are looking on while the magician performs.
Present Perfect	have looked on	I have looked on from the sidelines for too long.

💡 When to Use

Observing without participating

Use when someone is watching or observing something without being directly involved in the activity.

Example: "She looked on while her friends played soccer."

Witnessing events or behaviors

Appropriate when describing a person observing events typically with emotional detachment.

Example: "He looked on as history was made."

Evaluating situations

Utilize when assessing a situation carefully and thoughtfully, perhaps considering future actions.

Example: "They look on the situation before deciding their next move."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect placement

❌ Wrong: Look the parade on.

✅ Correct: Look on at the parade.

💡 Tip: Remember not to separate 'look' and 'on'.

Using a direct object

❌ Wrong: He looked on his sister dancing.

✅ Correct: He looked on as his sister danced.

💡 Tip: Avoid using a direct object; describe the action instead.

Using wrong tense

❌ Wrong: She had looks on during the game.

✅ Correct: She looked on during the game.

💡 Tip: Ensure proper tense alignment with 'look on'.

Practice

LOOK ON - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

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

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

As the band played, the audience looked on with admiration.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

The teachers looked on as the students performed their play.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

During the lively match, fans looked on eagerly from the stands.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

observe watch

Antonyms

participate

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The townspeople ___ as the festival procession went by."

looked over

look on

looked away

looked behind

"In life's moments of challenge and triumph, strive to look on with empathy and understanding, letting these experiences mold your perspective."

In Context

Charles Darwin, observing the Galápagos Islands during the Beagle expedition in 1835, would look on as native species revealed their secrets to the curious naturalist. As he meticulously took notes, he looked on at the finches, their beaks differing from one island to another, a revelation that would later form the backbone of his evolutionary theory. These observations compelled Darwin to look on the interconnectedness of species, leading him to contemplate the broader implications of natural selection. Back in England, when he published 'On the Origin of Species' in 1859, the world looked on with a mix of fascination and skepticism. His ideas challenged the established norms, provoking debates and prompting scientists and theologians alike to reflect on human existence. Over time, as more evidence emerged in favor of Darwin's theory, even earlier skeptics began to look on with renewed respect and acknowledgment of his work. Darwin's legacy endures as we continue to look on his contributions with appreciation, understanding the profound insight they provided into the natural world. His work remains a testament to the power of looking beyond the surface to uncover the underlying forces of nature.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Look On

What is the origin of look on?

The phrasal verb 'look on' originates from the Old English 'lōcian' meaning to look or gaze. Its contemporary usage has evolved to imply detachment while observing something happening without participating.

Can look on be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Look on' is versatile, functioning in both formal and informal contexts. Its neutral tone makes it adaptable for speeches, essays, casual conversations, and literary contexts, providing an observational nuance.

What is the difference between look on and observe?

While 'look on' implies passive observation without involvement, 'observe' suggests a more analytical or careful watching, often for a specific purpose or study, implying a degree of attention.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

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

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

LOOK ON - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Look On

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega