Phrasal Verb: Look on
English Meaning: Watch without getting involved
Hindi Meaning: देखते रहना
The phrasal verb “look on” means to watch something without participating or becoming involved in it. It implies observing a situation from the outside.
In Hindi:
- देखते रहना
What Does “Look on” Mean?
- Watch without getting involved – To observe something, often passively, without taking part or intervening.
How to Use “Look on” in Sentences
Example 1: The crowd looked on as the parade passed by.
Hindi: भीड़ ने परेड को जाते हुए देखा।
Example 2: I had to just look on while my friend handled the difficult situation.
Hindi: मुझे बस देखना पड़ा जब मेरे दोस्त ने कठिन स्थिति को संभाला।
Example 3: She looked on in disbelief as her team lost the match.
Hindi: उसने विश्वास नहीं कर पाया और अपने टीम को मैच हारते हुए देखा।
Example 4: The teacher looked on as the students worked in groups.
Hindi: शिक्षक ने छात्रों को समूहों में काम करते हुए देखा।
Example 5: They looked on quietly as the negotiations continued.
Hindi: वे चुपचाप देख रहे थे जब वार्ताएं जारी थीं।
Common Mistakes When Using “Look on”
❌ Incorrect: I will look on to help.
✅ Correct: I will look on to watch. (You don’t use “to help” after “look on.”)
❌ Incorrect: He looked on the presentation with great interest.
✅ Correct: He looked on at the presentation with great interest. (“Look on” is followed by “at” when describing something specific you’re observing.)
Questions for Test
- What does “look on” mean?
- Translate: “She just looked on as others solved the problem.”
- Fill in the blank: “The bystanders ______ while the firefighters did their job.”
- Can “look on” imply passive participation?
- How do you use “look on” when observing a public event?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can “look on” be used in casual situations?
Yes, it can be used for casual situations where someone is merely observing but not participating.
Is “look on” used only for negative observations?
No, it is neutral. You can look on at something enjoyable, serious, or even negative without taking part.
Is there a difference between “look on” and “look at”?
Yes, “look on” implies passive observation, often from a distance, while “look at” means actively focusing your attention on something.