look out for — watch for
phrasal verbB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
to pay attention to something or someone so you notice it when it appears or happens
Say it like a native
Textbook Please remain alert for any signs indicating the exit.
Native Look out for the exit sign.
'Look out for' is the natural verb for keeping an eye out. 'Remain alert for signs indicating' is formal.
Pattern: look out for + noun/pronoun
In use
- When you cross the street, always look out for cars.daily life
- In my hometown, you have to look out for cyclists because there are so many on the roads.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ Look out the postman, I'm expecting a parcel.
✓ Look out for the postman.
Needs 'for' — 'look out FOR something/someone'. 'Look out the window' is a different meaning.
Common collocations
look out for— the signs, a red car, bargains, my email
Don't confuse it
Not the same as 'look for', which means to search for something.
Related
- look out for (protect) — Another meaning of 'look out for' is 'protect'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.