How to Pronounce LOOK FOR: Stress, Linking & Natural Speech

LOOK FOR means "to search" and is one of the most frequently used phrasal verbs in English. Let's master its pronunciation.

Basic Pronunciation

Stress Pattern

Unlike most phrasal verbs, LOOK FOR often has more equal stress because "for" is a preposition rather than a particle:

• look = stressed
• for = can be stressed or reduced depending on context

In careful speech: "LOOK FOR"

In fast speech: "LOOK fər" (for reduces to /fɚ/)

Connected Speech

The /k/ in "look" links to the /f/ in "for":

• Written: look for
• Sounds like: "loo-KFOR" /lʊˈkfɔːr/

Reduced Form

In fast, casual speech, "for" often reduces:

The Dark L in "Look"

"Look" contains the /ʊ/ vowel and ends with a dark L (when followed by a consonant). The dark L has a deeper, more "swallowed" quality.

The /ʊ/ vowel

This is NOT the long "oo" sound /uː/ (as in "moon"). It's a shorter, more relaxed sound. Your lips are only slightly rounded.

Inseparable Verb

Unlike many phrasal verbs, LOOK FOR is inseparable. The object must come AFTER "for":

• ✅ "I'm looking for my keys."
• ❌ "I'm looking my keys for."

Common Expressions

Common Mistakes for Spanish Speakers

1. The /ʊ/ vowel

Don't say "luke" /luːk/. The vowel in "look" is shorter and more relaxed than Spanish "u."

2. Forgetting the dark L quality

The L in "look" before a consonant has a dark quality. The back of your tongue rises toward the soft palate.

3. Not reducing "for" in fast speech

In casual conversation, "for" often becomes /fɚ/ or even /fə/. Practice: "What are you looking fer?"

Practice Sentences

1. "I'm looking FOR my phone." → /aɪm ˈlʊkɪŋ fɔːr maɪ foʊn/
2. "What are you looking FOR?" → /wʌt ər jə ˈlʊkɪŋ fɚ/
3. "Look FOR the red one." → /lʊk ˈfɔːr ðə red wʌn/
4. "She's looking FOR a job." → /ʃiːz ˈlʊkɪŋ fɔːr ə dʒɑːb/

LOOK FOR vs. Similar Phrasal Verbs

Quick Summary

• Stress pattern: LOOK for (or equal stress)
• "For" often reduces to /fɚ/ in fast speech
• Short /ʊ/ vowel in "look" (not /uː/)
• Inseparable: object comes after "for"

Next: How to pronounce FIND OUT.