Meaning trap
look out for
protect
to take care of someone and make sure they are safe or treated well
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to take care of someone and make sure they are safe or treated well
Another meaning of 'look out for' is 'watch for'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- Older siblings often look out for their younger brothers and sisters.family
- I think it’s important for friends to look out for each other, especially during stressful times at university.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: look out for + noun/pronoun
WrongShe always looks out her little brother.
RightShe always looks out for her little brother.
This sense needs 'for' — 'look out FOR someone'.
Patternlook out for + noun/pronoun
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Look out for' is the warm everyday phrase for protecting and caring. 'Safeguard the welfare of' is formal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
look out foreach othermy little brothernumber onehis mates
Don't confuse it
'Look after' means to care for someone in general; 'look out for' is more about protecting or supporting.
Related
- look out for (watch for) — Another meaning of 'look out for' is 'watch for'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.