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Grammar fix

look out

be careful or watchful

To pay attention and be careful to avoid danger or problems.

phrasal verbB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • Look out! There's a car coming.daily life
  • When you travel in a new city, you should always look out for pickpockets.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: look out (for something/someone)

WrongLook out of the car!

RightLook out — a car!

'Look out!' alone = a warning. 'Look out OF' means gaze through (e.g. a window) — very different.

Patternlook out (for something/someone)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff Please exercise caution — there is a vehicle approaching.

Natural Look out — car!

As a warning, 'look out!' is what natives shout. 'Exercise caution' is impossible in an emergency.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • look out
    look out!for the stepbehind youmind

Don't confuse it

'Look out' is about being careful, while 'look for' means to search for something.

Try it in Daily Speak →