Meaning
To try to find something or someone.
Cultural Background
In the US, 'looking for' is often used in retail to signal you are ready to buy something. In the UK, people might say 'I'm after' as a synonym for 'I'm looking for' in casual shopping contexts. In international business, 'looking for' is the standard way to express requirements.
Don't forget the 'for'!
Always include 'for' when you are searching. Without it, you are just looking at something.
Use it for goals
It's not just for objects. Use it for jobs, partners, or solutions.
Meaning
To try to find something or someone.
Don't forget the 'for'!
Always include 'for' when you are searching. Without it, you are just looking at something.
Use it for goals
It's not just for objects. Use it for jobs, partners, or solutions.
Polite requests
Use 'I'm looking for...' to start a polite request in a store.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
I am ____ ____ my glasses.
We use 'look for' when we want to find something.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the correct option.
The phrasal verb 'look for' requires the preposition 'for'.
Match the meaning.
What does 'look for' mean?
Look for means to try to find something.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Can I help you? B: Yes, I ____ ____ a gift for my mom.
The present continuous 'am looking for' is used for current actions.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI am ____ ____ my glasses.
We use 'look for' when we want to find something.
Choose the correct option.
The phrasal verb 'look for' requires the preposition 'for'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Look for means to try to find something.
A: Can I help you? B: Yes, I ____ ____ a gift for my mom.
The present continuous 'am looking for' is used for current actions.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, you must say 'searching for'.
It is neutral and works everywhere.
Looked for.
Yes, 'I am looking for my brother'.
Yes, it is.
Buscar.
Yes, it is fine for professional emails.
Learners often forget the preposition.
Related Phrases
Look after
contrastTo take care of
Look into
similarTo investigate
Search for
synonymTo look for
