look in on — visit briefly to check on someone
phrasal verbB1IELTS 5+neutraloccasional
To visit someone for a short time to see if they are okay or need anything.
Say it like a native
Textbook I shall visit my elderly neighbour briefly to check on her welfare.
Native 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.
Pattern: look in on + person
In use
- 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
Common mistake
✗ Can you look in my grandad while I'm out?
✓ Can you look in on my grandad while I'm out?
Needs 'on' — 'look IN ON someone'.
Common collocations
look in on— the kids, my mum, the patient, later
Don't confuse it
'Look after' means to care for someone over time; 'look in on' is just a quick visit.