look through
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle through
Meanings
Examine the contents of something quickly
Why “through”? You check each part from start to finish.
“She looked through the catalogue.”
“He looked through the drawer for batteries.”
“She looked through the box of old photos.”
Pretend not to see someone you know
Why “through”? Movement goes from one side to the other.
“She looked straight through me.”
“He looked through his old classmate at the station.”
Don't confuse with
Look through means examine the contents of something quickly. Look around means glance in every direction.
Look through means examine contents quickly. Look up means search for specific information.
Test yourself
“She looked through the catalogue.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
look around
A contrast learners often mix up
Glance in every direction; Move your eyes to look at all parts of a place; Visit a place to see what is there, especially before deciding to buy
look up
A contrast learners often mix up
Direct your eyes upward; Search for information in a book or online; Start to become better; Admire and respect someone (look up to)
break through
Same through pattern: passage
Cut into a broadcast or transmission; Force a way through an obstacle or barrier; Achieve success after a period of effort
browse through
Same through pattern: examination
Look casually through items on display
comb through
Same through pattern: examination
Search very thoroughly
come through
Same through pattern: passage
Pass through to arrive on the other side; Survive a difficult or dangerous experience; Do what was expected or hoped for; Arrive at its destination, especially a message or call
cut through
Same through pattern: passage
Take a shortcut across
drive through
Same through pattern: passage
Cross by car or other vehicle
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