C1 Prepositions 17 min read Hard

How to use 'Look down on' (Despise/Superiority)

Look down on expresses disdain or superiority, a strong judgment of inferiority, not physical sight.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'look down on' to describe someone feeling superior to others based on status, intelligence, or morality.

  • Always use three parts: 'look' + 'down' + 'on' + [object]. Example: 'He looks down on us.'
  • It is inseparable; you cannot put the object between 'down' and 'on'.
  • The verb 'look' conjugates normally for all tenses and subjects.
👤 + 👀 + 👇 + 🔛 + 👥 = 🤨 (Superiority)

Overview

Look down on means you think you are better than someone.

People use this in many places. It shows someone is mean.

How This Grammar Works

It is like looking from a high place. People look small.
You think you are higher. You have more money or school.
One person feels like the boss. They think others are lesser.
This attitude often manifests as condescension, dismissiveness, or open contempt in their interactions.
It is not just dislike. You think the person is bad.
This short phrase explains a lot.

Formation Pattern

1
The words are easy. Put them in order.
2
Basic Active Voice Structure:
3
Person + look + down on + person or thing.
4
Change look for time. Keep down on together.
5
Ways to use the word look:
6
| :--------------- | :-------------------- | :---------------------------------------------------------- |
7
| Present Simple | look / looks | They look down on anyone with less experience. |
8
| Present Cont. | am/is/are looking | He is looking down on the new interns. |
9
| Past Simple | looked | She looked down on their simple lifestyle. |
10
| Past Cont. | was/were looking | We realized he was looking down on our efforts. |
11
| Present Perfect| have/has looked | Some critics have looked down on popular art for decades. |
12
| Future Simple | will look | They will look down on you if you don't conform. |
13
Example: It is bad to look down on others.
14
Example: Looking down on others is wrong.
15
Key Rules for Formation:
16
Keep down on together. Say: He looks down on his friends.
17
You can use this with names or words like him.
18
Some workers think working from home is bad.
19
She thought she was better than me.
20
He thinks people with feelings are not good.
21
You can say when someone is mean to you.
22
Active: His classmates looked down on him for his unusual hobbies.
23
Passive: He was looked down on by his classmates for his unusual hobbies.

When To Use It

Use this when someone is proud and mean. It is strong.
Specific Contexts for Usage:
  • Social Class and Status: To describe individuals or groups who believe their social standing is inherently superior to others, often based on wealth, lineage, or profession.
  • Historically, the aristocracy often looked down on the burgeoning merchant class.
  • Some wealthy individuals look down on those receiving public assistance, misjudging their circumstances.
  • Education and Intellect: When individuals dismiss or scorn those they perceive as less educated or intelligent.
  • She tends to look down on anyone who hasn't pursued a postgraduate degree, despite diverse forms of intelligence.
  • Certain academics unfortunately look down on vocational training, failing to appreciate its practical value.
  • Professions and Occupations: To comment on the devaluation of certain types of work or workers, often those in service roles or manual labor.
  • It's a common, regrettable tendency for some to look down on service industry jobs, viewing them as less important.
  • Many successful entrepreneurs refuse to look down on humble beginnings, recognizing the value of hard work at any level.
  • Lifestyle Choices and Preferences: When someone judges others for their personal decisions, hobbies, or cultural tastes.
  • My parents used to look down on my choice of career in the arts, preferring a more traditional path.
  • Some classical music enthusiasts mistakenly look down on contemporary genres, dismissing their artistic merit.
  • Moral or Ethical Judgment: To articulate an attitude where one believes their moral code or ethical stance is superior, leading to condemnation of others' perceived failings.
  • He has a habit of looking down on anyone who doesn't adhere to his strict environmental principles.
  • While some may look down on differing political views, constructive dialogue requires mutual respect.
People use this on the internet. It shows someone is mean.

When Not To Use It

Be careful. This is a mean phrase. Use it well.
Situations to Avoid Using look down on:
  • Literal Physical Observation: If you are merely describing the physical act of gazing downwards, look down on is incorrect. Use look down at or look down into instead.
  • Incorrect: From the mountaintop, we looked down on the vast forest. (Unless you felt superior to the trees.)
  • Correct: From the mountaintop, we looked down at the vast forest.
  • Correct: She looked down into the baby's cradle.
  • Constructive Criticism or Feedback: Look down on implies contempt and judgment, making it entirely inappropriate for offering helpful advice or guidance. Using it in such a context would likely be perceived as an insult, undermining any positive intent.
  • Incorrect: I look down on your report's weak analysis, so you should revise it.
  • Correct (alternative): Your report's analysis could be strengthened; consider revising section three.
  • Neutral Descriptions of Difference: If you simply want to state that two things are different or that one is preferred without implying disdain, look down on is too strong.
  • Incorrect: He looks down on coffee, preferring tea.
  • Correct (alternative): He prefers tea to coffee. or He isn't fond of coffee.
  • Mild Disapproval: For less intense forms of disagreement or non-approval, milder verbs are more suitable. Disapprove of, dislike, or find unacceptable convey criticism without the severe judgment of look down on.
  • Incorrect: My parents look down on my staying out late.
  • Correct (alternative): My parents disapprove of my staying out late.
  • Implying Your Own Superiority Unintentionally: While you can use look down on to describe someone else's judgmental behavior, be mindful that using the phrase itself can sometimes implicitly align you with a similar judgmental stance if not carefully phrased. When critiquing such an attitude, ensure your language clearly separates your perspective from the one being described.
  • When he said that, I felt he was looking down on us. (Describes the feeling of being judged.)
  • It's concerning how many people look down on foreign cultures. (Critiques a broader societal issue, not endorsing it.)

Common Mistakes

Many people make mistakes. Learn these rules to speak well.
  • Confusion with Literal Look Down: The most frequent error is conflating the metaphorical look down on with the physical act of looking downwards. Remember, look down on is about an attitude of superiority, not gravity.
  • Error: She stood on the bridge and looked down on the river. (Implies she felt superior to the river.)
  • Correction: She stood on the bridge and looked down at the river. or She stood on the bridge and looked down into the river.
  • Incorrect Particle Order: Look down on is an inseparable phrasal verb. The object must always follow the preposition on.
  • Error: He looks his junior colleagues down on.
  • Correction: He looks down on his junior colleagues.
  • Error: Don't look me down on.
  • Correction: Don't look down on me.
  • Omitting the Object: The phrase requires a direct object because it describes an attitude towards someone or something.
  • Error: He always looks down. (This means he literally looks towards the ground.)
  • Correction: He always looks down on people who are less successful.
  • Underestimating the Negative Connotation: Learners sometimes use look down on when a milder term like disapprove of or criticize would be more appropriate. This can lead to your statement sounding harsher or more judgmental than intended.
  • Error: I look down on violent movies. (Suggests you feel superior to the movies or those who watch them.)
  • Correction (alternative): I dislike violent movies. or I don't approve of violent movies.
  • Redundancy with Other Negative Adverbs: While certain adverbs can emphasize the disdain (see Common Collocations), using others might create redundancy or an awkward construction.
  • Error: He arrogantly looks down on others with contempt. (The phrase look down on already implies contempt; arrogantly is fine, but adding with contempt can be redundant if the context is clear.)
  • Correction: He arrogantly looks down on others.
Think before you speak. Use the right words to be clear.

Common Collocations

Add more words to show how mean they are.
Words that make the action stronger:
Put these words before the phrase. They show how much better you feel.
  • Arrogantly look down on: Highlights an overt and offensive sense of self-importance.
  • The CEO would arrogantly look down on any ideas that weren't his own.
  • Haughtily look down on: Similar to arrogantly, suggesting a disdainful pride.
  • She haughtily looked down on their simple efforts, believing only her sophisticated approach was valid.
  • Snobbishly look down on: Emphasizes social or intellectual elitism.
  • Some art critics snobbishly look down on street art, despite its growing recognition.
  • Condescendingly look down on: Indicates a patronizing attitude, treating others as inferior.
  • He condescendingly looked down on anyone who asked for clarification during his lectures.
  • Mistakenly/Wrongly look down on: Used when critiquing the judgmental attitude itself.
  • You shouldn't mistakenly look down on someone just because they've taken a different path.
Typical Subjects and Objects:
Use this when you think you are better than other people.
  • Subjects: Individuals (he, she, they), groups (the wealthy, intellectuals, some people), institutions (the establishment).
  • Many students felt the professor looked down on them.
  • Certain urban dwellers look down on rural life.
  • Objects:
  • People/Groups: the poor, minorities, immigrants, colleagues, newcomers, the working class, students.
  • It's a shame how some older generations look down on younger people's career choices.
  • Professions/Work: manual labor, service jobs, gig economy workers, unskilled work.
  • Society often wrongly looks down on emotional intelligence compared to academic achievements.
  • Lifestyles/Choices: different cultures, alternative lifestyles, popular culture, vegetarianism (if perceived as a lesser choice by others).
  • Some traditionalists look down on modern art as lacking discipline.
  • Abstract Concepts: Less common, but possible when disdain is directed at an idea or principle.
  • He looks down on any form of emotional vulnerability, perceiving it as weakness.
  • They look down on anything that deviates from established norms.
This phrase shows many ways people judge others.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

Learn these words. They look the same but they are different. They show how people think.
| Word | Meaning | What is different? | Example |
| :---------------------- | :------------------------------------ | :-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Look down on | Regard as inferior; despise | Implies a deep-seated attitude of superiority and contempt for another's inherent worth or status. | She often looks down on colleagues who didn't attend elite universities. |
| Look down at | Use your eyes to look. | You are not being mean. | He looked at his watch. |
| Look up to | Respect someone. | You want to be like them. | Many kids like sports stars. |
| Put down | Say mean things. | You say bad things to someone. | Do not say his ideas are bad. |
| Belittle | Make them feel small. | You act like their work is not important. | The boss says his work is small. |
| Disapprove of | Think it is wrong. | You do not like what they do. | I do not like how they work. |
| Condescend | Talk like a teacher. | You talk to people like they are children. | He talks to workers like children. |
Further Distinctions:
  • Look down on describes an internalized belief system and an ongoing attitude. Put down or belittle are outward manifestations of such an attitude, or they can be isolated acts of criticism without a constant sense of superiority. Someone might put down another's idea without inherently looking down on the person who proposed it, though often the two are linked.
  • Disapprove of is about judgment of actions or concepts, not necessarily the inherent worth of a person. You can disapprove of cheating without looking down on the student who cheated, perhaps understanding their circumstances while still condemning the act. Look down on is a much stronger and more personal form of judgment.
  • Condescend is the behavioral output of looking down on. If someone looks down on you, they are likely to condescend to you in their speech and actions. One is the underlying emotion/belief, the other is the outward expression.
These words help you talk better. Use this phrase if you feel better than others.

Quick FAQ

Q: Can I use this for things or ideas?
Yes. You can use it for things too. For example, some people do not like fast food.
Q: Is look down on considered formal or informal?
You can use this with friends. But it is mean. Do not use it in polite meetings.
Q: Can look down on be used in the passive voice?
You can use this when people are mean to you. It shows how you feel.
  • Example: Many minority groups have historically been looked down on by the dominant culture.
  • Example: She felt she was looked down on because of her rural accent.
Q: Is it acceptable to use look down on when referring to oneself?
You can talk about yourself. You can say you were mean before. But now you are better.
  • Example: I used to look down on reality television, but I've learned to appreciate it as a form of entertainment.
  • Example: He realized he had been looking down on his own accomplishments for years.
Q: What is the primary difference between look down on and disapprove of?
The core difference lies in the nature and intensity of the judgment. Disapprove of signifies a disagreement or objection to an action, decision, or characteristic, but it doesn't necessarily imply a belief in personal superiority or contempt for the individual. Look down on, by contrast, carries a strong implication of superiority, disdain, and a devaluation of the other person's inherent worth or status.
You can disapprove of someone's actions while still respecting them as a person; you cannot look down on someone without simultaneously disrespecting them as a person.
Q: Is 'look down upon' okay too?
Yes. It is an old way to say it. Both mean the same thing. 'Look down on' is more common.
'Look down upon' sounds very old. It sounds like a book.
Q: What does it often say about a person who looks down on others?
Mean people are often scared. They want to feel big. They are not better than you.

2. Negative Contractions

Full Form Contraction
Does not look down on
Doesn't look down on
Do not look down on
Don't look down on
Did not look down on
Didn't look down on
Has not looked down on
Hasn't looked down on

Conjugating 'Look Down On'

Tense Subject Form
Present Simple
I / You / We / They
look down on
Present Simple
He / She / It
looks down on
Past Simple
All subjects
looked down on
Present Continuous
I
am looking down on
Present Continuous
He / She / It
is looking down on
Present Perfect
He / She / It
has looked down on
Future Simple
All subjects
will look down on
Passive Voice
All subjects
be looked down on

Meanings

To regard someone or something as inferior or unworthy of respect, often due to a perceived difference in social class, intelligence, or moral standing.

1

Social Superiority

Feeling better than others because of wealth, family background, or job title.

“She looks down on anyone who didn't attend an Ivy League university.”

“The neighbors look down on us because we drive an old car.”

2

Intellectual Disdain

Believing others are less intelligent or less educated.

“Academics sometimes look down on popular science books.”

“Don't look down on her just because she hasn't read the classics.”

3

Moral Judgment

Feeling morally superior or more virtuous than someone else.

“They look down on anyone who doesn't follow their strict diet.”

“She looks down on him for his past mistakes.”

Reference Table

Reference table for How to use 'Look down on' (Despise/Superiority)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Subject + look + down + on + Object
She looks down on her neighbors.
Negative
Subject + do/does not + look + down + on + Object
He doesn't look down on anyone.
Question
Do/Does + Subject + look + down + on + Object?
Do they look down on us?
Passive
Subject + be + looked + down + on
I hate being looked down on.
Continuous
Subject + be + looking + down + on + Object
Why are you looking down on me?
Perfect
Subject + have/has + looked + down + on + Object
They have always looked down on him.
Modal
Subject + should/must + look + down + on + Object
You shouldn't look down on others.
Gerund
Looking + down + on + Object + [Verb]
Looking down on people is a bad habit.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
One should refrain from looking down upon those in less fortunate circumstances.

One should refrain from looking down upon those in less fortunate circumstances. (Social judgment)

Neutral
He looks down on people who don't have a college degree.

He looks down on people who don't have a college degree. (Social judgment)

Informal
He's so stuck up; he totally looks down on us.

He's so stuck up; he totally looks down on us. (Social judgment)

Slang
He thinks he's all that and looks down on everyone else.

He thinks he's all that and looks down on everyone else. (Social judgment)

The Anatomy of 'Look Down On'

Look Down On

Meaning

  • Superiority Feeling better than
  • Disdain Lack of respect

Structure

  • Inseparable Cannot be split
  • Transitive Needs an object

Contexts

  • Social Class Wealth/Status
  • Education Degrees/Knowledge

Look Down On vs. Look Up To

Look Down On
Superiority I am better than you.
Negative Arrogant tone.
Look Up To
Admiration You are better than me (in a good way).
Positive Respectful tone.

Can I use 'Look Down On'?

1

Is it about physical height?

YES
Use 'Look down at'
NO
Continue
2

Is it about feeling superior?

YES
Use 'Look down on'
NO
Check other verbs

Synonyms and Antonyms

🔗

Synonyms

  • • Despise
  • • Scorn
  • • Disdain
  • • Condescend to
↔️

Antonyms

  • • Look up to
  • • Admire
  • • Respect
  • • Revere
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Examples by Level

1

He looks down on me.

2

Do not look down on your friends.

3

She looks down on her brother.

4

They look down on us.

1

Why does he look down on poor people?

2

I don't look down on anyone.

3

She looked down on him because of his clothes.

4

Stop looking down on me!

1

He has always looked down on people who didn't go to university.

2

It's wrong to look down on someone just because they are different.

3

My boss looks down on anyone who arrives late.

4

They were looking down on us from their expensive car.

1

The old aristocracy used to look down on the 'nouveau riche'.

2

I felt like the waiter was looking down on me for ordering the cheapest wine.

3

She doesn't mean to look down on you; she's just very shy.

4

If you look down on your customers, they will eventually leave.

1

There is a tendency in academia to look down on vocational training.

2

He was tired of being looked down on by his in-laws.

3

The film explores how the urban elite look down on rural communities.

4

One should never look down on the importance of basic social skills.

1

The protagonist’s fatal flaw was his propensity to look down on those he deemed intellectually inferior.

2

To look down on such a significant cultural shift would be a grave mistake for any politician.

3

She navigated the gala with a subtle air of looking down on the ostentatious displays of wealth.

4

The inherent danger of meritocracy is that the 'winners' may begin to look down on the 'losers' as being responsible for their own plight.

Easily Confused

How to use 'Look down on' (Despise/Superiority) vs Look down at vs. Look down on

Learners use 'at' for feelings of superiority because 'at' is a common preposition for looking.

How to use 'Look down on' (Despise/Superiority) vs Look down on vs. Despise

They are synonyms, but 'despise' is much stronger and more emotional.

How to use 'Look down on' (Despise/Superiority) vs Look down on vs. Look up to

Learners sometimes mix up the direction of the metaphor.

Common Mistakes

✗

He looks down me.

✓

He looks down on me.

You forgot the preposition 'on'.
✗

She looks down to him.

✓

She looks down on him.

The correct preposition is 'on', not 'to'.
✗

They look me down on.

✓

They look down on me.

This verb cannot be separated.
✗

I look down at his attitude.

✓

I look down on his attitude.

'Look down at' is for physical objects; 'on' is for feelings of superiority.
✗

Why you look down on me?

✓

Why do you look down on me?

Missing the auxiliary verb 'do'.
✗

He look down on us.

✓

He looks down on us.

Missing the third-person 's'.
✗

I am look down on him.

✓

I am looking down on him.

Incorrect continuous form.
✗

He has look down on me for years.

✓

He has looked down on me for years.

Incorrect past participle in present perfect.
✗

It is bad to look down on.

✓

It is bad to look down on people.

This verb needs an object.
✗

She was looked down.

✓

She was looked down on.

In the passive, you must keep 'on'.
✗

He looks down on whoever doesn't agree.

✓

He looks down on anyone who doesn't agree.

'Anyone who' is more natural here than 'whoever' in this specific context of social snobbery.
✗

The looking down on of others is wrong.

✓

Looking down on others is wrong.

Avoid unnecessary 'the' and 'of' with gerund phrases.
✗

He looks down upon to me.

✓

He looks down upon me.

Don't add 'to' after 'upon'.
✗

I was looked down on by he.

✓

I was looked down on by him.

Use object pronoun after 'by'.

Sentence Patterns

It is unfair to look down on ___ just because ___.

She has a tendency to look down on anyone who ___.

Being looked down on by ___ made me feel ___.

No one likes to be looked down on for their ___.

The way he looks down on ___ reveals more about his ___ than theirs.

Real World Usage

Social Media very common

Twitter users often look down on those who use 'basic' emojis.

Job Interviews occasional

The interviewer seemed to look down on my previous experience in retail.

High-End Fashion common

Boutique clerks sometimes look down on customers who aren't wearing designer clothes.

Academic Circles common

Some scientists look down on the humanities as 'soft' subjects.

Family Gatherings occasional

My aunt looks down on my cousin for not being married yet.

Travel common

Expats sometimes look down on tourists who only eat at McDonald's.

LinkedIn common

Recruiters might look down on a resume with too many short-term jobs.

Online Gaming very common

Pro players often look down on 'noobs' or casual gamers.

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💡

Use 'Upon' for Extra Formality

If you are writing a formal essay or a speech, 'look down upon' sounds more sophisticated than 'look down on'.
⚠️

Don't Split the Verb

Never put the person in the middle. It's always 'look down on [person]', never 'look [person] down on'.
🎯

The Passive Power

Using 'being looked down on' is a great way to describe a feeling of social exclusion in C1 writing tasks.
💬

Check Your Tone

Calling someone out for 'looking down on' others is a strong accusation of arrogance. Use it carefully in professional settings.

Smart Tips

Swap 'on' for 'upon'. It immediately elevates the register of your writing.

The elite look down on the poor. → The elite look down upon the impoverished.

Make sure you don't drop the 'on' at the end of the sentence.

He was looked down by his peers. → He was looked down on by his peers.

Use 'look down on' to show you think their arrogance is a flaw.

He thinks he is better than us. → He looks down on us.

Check if the object is a person or a social status. If it is, use 'on'.

He looked down at the working class. → He looked down on the working class.

Pronunciation

look DOWN on

Stress the Particle

In three-part phrasal verbs, the primary stress usually falls on the adverbial particle ('down'), not the verb or the preposition.

/daʊnɒn/

Linking

The 'n' in 'down' often links smoothly to the 'o' in 'on'.

Rising-Falling

Why do you look DOWN on him? ↘️

A standard information question expressing curiosity or mild disapproval.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a person standing on a high balcony looking down at people on the street. They are 'on' the balcony, looking 'down' 'on' the people.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant wearing a crown, literally looking down his nose at a tiny person on the ground. The giant is 'on' his high horse, looking 'down' 'on' the little guy.

Rhyme

If you think you're the best and others are gone, you're likely to look down on.

Story

Once there was a king who lived on a mountain. He never visited the valley because he looked down on the farmers. He thought his crown made him high and their dirt made them low. One day, he fell 'down' 'on' the mud and realized everyone is the same.

Word Web

SuperiorityCondescensionDisdainArroganceSnobberyHierarchyClassism

Challenge

Write three sentences about things you *used* to look down on but now appreciate (e.g., a music genre, a type of food, or a hobby).

Cultural Notes

In the UK, 'look down on' is heavily associated with the class system. It is often used to describe the 'snobbery' of the upper classes toward the working class.

In the US, the phrase is frequently used in the context of 'meritocracy.' People might be accused of looking down on those without high-paying jobs or prestigious degrees.

In global academic circles, there is a specific use regarding 'soft' vs 'hard' sciences, where physicists might (arrogantly) look down on sociologists.

The verb 'look' comes from Old English 'locian'. The metaphorical use of 'down' to signify inferiority emerged in Middle English as social hierarchies became more rigid.

Conversation Starters

“

Have you ever felt that someone was looking down on you? Why?

“

Why do some people look down on certain types of music or movies?

“

In your country, what social groups tend to look down on others?

“

If you were a famous celebrity, how would you ensure you didn't look down on your fans?

Journal Prompts

Describe a time you realized you were looking down on someone. What changed your mind?
Write an essay about the impact of social media on how we look down on others' lifestyles.
Compare 'looking down on' someone with 'pitying' someone. Are they the same?
Write a dialogue between two people where one is clearly looking down on the other's career choice.
Reflect on the phrase 'Don't look down on anyone unless you are helping them up.'

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the missing prepositions.

She looks down ___ her colleagues because she has a PhD.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: on
The full phrasal verb is 'look down on'.
Correct the error in the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

He looks his younger brother down on.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He looks down on his younger brother.
Three-part phrasal verbs are inseparable; the object must come at the end.
Which sentence is correct? Multiple Choice

Choose the grammatically correct sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I hate being looked down on.
This is the correct passive form of the phrasal verb.
Rewrite the sentence using 'look down on'. Sentence Transformation

He despises people who don't recycle.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He looks down on people who don't recycle.
'Look down on' is a synonym for 'despise' in the context of superiority.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Why is Sarah so mean to the new intern? B: I don't know, she just seems to ___ anyone with less experience.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: look down on
The context implies Sarah feels superior to the intern.
Match the phrase to its meaning. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: To feel superior to
'Look down on' means to regard as inferior.
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Building

down / on / looks / anyone / she / lazy / who / is

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: She looks down on anyone who is lazy.
Subject + Verb + Particle + Preposition + Object.
Is this sentence literal or figurative? Grammar Sorting

He looked down on the valley from the mountain top.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Literal
In this context, he is physically looking down from a high place. The figurative meaning requires a person or social concept as the object.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the missing prepositions.

She looks down ___ her colleagues because she has a PhD.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: on
The full phrasal verb is 'look down on'.
Correct the error in the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

He looks his younger brother down on.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He looks down on his younger brother.
Three-part phrasal verbs are inseparable; the object must come at the end.
Which sentence is correct? Multiple Choice

Choose the grammatically correct sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I hate being looked down on.
This is the correct passive form of the phrasal verb.
Rewrite the sentence using 'look down on'. Sentence Transformation

He despises people who don't recycle.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He looks down on people who don't recycle.
'Look down on' is a synonym for 'despise' in the context of superiority.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Why is Sarah so mean to the new intern? B: I don't know, she just seems to ___ anyone with less experience.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: look down on
The context implies Sarah feels superior to the intern.
Match the phrase to its meaning. Match Pairs

Look down on

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: To feel superior to
'Look down on' means to regard as inferior.
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Building

down / on / looks / anyone / she / lazy / who / is

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: She looks down on anyone who is lazy.
Subject + Verb + Particle + Preposition + Object.
Is this sentence literal or figurative? Grammar Sorting

He looked down on the valley from the mountain top.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Literal
In this context, he is physically looking down from a high place. The figurative meaning requires a person or social concept as the object.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Choose the correct preposition to complete the phrasal verb. Fill in the Blank

Many artists ___ commercial success, preferring artistic integrity.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: look down on
Identify and correct the incorrect usage of the phrasal verb. Error Correction

He's always looking down his nose at new ideas.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He's always looking down on new ideas.
Select the sentence that accurately uses 'look down on'. Multiple Choice

Which of these expresses disdain?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: She looks down on her brother for his poor grades.
Translate the sentence into English. Translation

Traduce al inglés: 'Nunca debes menospreciar a nadie'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["You should never look down on anyone.","Never look down on anyone."]
Rearrange the words to form a coherent sentence. Sentence Reorder

Put the words in order:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Some old members always look down on newcomers.
Match the beginning of the sentence with the correct ending. Match Pairs

Match the sentence halves:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Fill in the blank with the appropriate form of 'look down on'. Fill in the Blank

She felt that her colleagues were ___ her ideas because she was new.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: looking down on
Correct the mistake in the sentence. Error Correction

Some people look down on fast food, but it's convenient sometimes.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The sentence is correct.
Pick the sentence that best conveys disdain for social media influencers. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Many traditional media outlets look down on social media influencers.
Translate the sentence into English, focusing on the phrasal verb. Translation

Traduce al inglés: 'Ella se sintió menospreciada por su jefe'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["She felt looked down on by her boss.","She was looked down on by her boss."]
Unscramble the words to make a meaningful sentence. Sentence Reorder

Form a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He didn't understand why she was looked down on by people.
Complete the sentence with the most suitable phrase. Fill in the Blank

It's important not to ___ anyone's cultural practices, even if they're unfamiliar.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: look down on

Score: /12

FAQ (8)

Yes, it always implies a sense of arrogance or unfair judgment. You wouldn't use it to describe a positive or neutral feeling.

Yes, 'look down upon' is the more formal version. It is common in literature and formal writing.

'Look down at' is literal (looking at your feet). 'Look down on' is figurative (feeling superior).

No, this is an inseparable phrasal verb. The object must always come after 'on'.

Yes, it is often used to describe poor management styles or corporate snobbery.

You say 'to be looked down on.' For example: 'I don't like being looked down on.'

The direct opposite is 'look up to,' which means to admire or respect someone.

Yes, you can look down on ideas, behaviors, or objects. For example: 'He looks down on cheap furniture.'

Scaffolded Practice

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4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

Mirar por encima del hombro / Despreciar

Spanish uses an idiom involving the shoulder, while English uses a vertical 'down' metaphor.

French high

Regarder de haut / Mépriser

French often omits the 'on' equivalent, focusing on the 'from high' aspect.

German high

Herabsehen auf

The word order in German will change based on clause structure (verb-final), unlike English.

Japanese high

見下す (Mikudasu)

Japanese is a single compound verb, whereas English is a three-part phrasal verb.

Arabic moderate

ينظر بفوقية (Yandhur bi-fawqiya)

Arabic uses a prepositional phrase ('with superiority') rather than a phrasal verb particle.

Chinese partial

看不起 (Kàn bù qǐ)

The Chinese metaphor is 'not looking up' rather than 'looking down'.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Finally Finding Time (Get round to)
Next
Put up with (Tolerate)

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