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Grammar fix

look in on

visit briefly to check on someone

To visit someone for a short time to see if they are okay or need anything.

phrasal verbB1occasional

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • I promised my neighbor I’d look in on her cat while she’s away.daily life
  • During the week, I often look in on my elderly relatives to see if they need any help with shopping or household chores.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: look in on + person

WrongCan you look in my grandad while I'm out?

RightCan you look in on my grandad while I'm out?

Needs 'on' — 'look IN ON someone'.

Patternlook in on + person

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff I shall visit my elderly neighbour briefly to check on her welfare.

Natural I'll just look in on my neighbour.

'Look in on' is the warm, casual phrase for a quick check-in visit. The formal version is stiff.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • look in on
    the kidsmy mumthe patientlater

Don't confuse it

'Look after' means to care for someone over time; 'look in on' is just a quick visit.

Try it in Daily Speak →