look back on — reflect (Murphy Additional Exercises, Phrasal verbs)
Pattern
Section titled “Pattern”look back on [past experience] = reflect on / review it with hindsight.
- When I look back on it now, I realise it was a good experience. (reflect on the trip)
- I look back on my childhood fondly.
- Looking back on it, I should have studied harder.
- She looks back on her career with pride.
Structure
Section titled “Structure”look + back + on — three-part phrasal verb:
- look (verb) + back (direction: to the past) + on (the thing reflected)
Without “on” = just “turn to look behind”: She looked back at me. (physical) With “on” = mental reflection on the past.
Related “look” phrasals
Section titled “Related “look” phrasals”| Phrasal | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| look back on | reflect on the past | I look back on it fondly. |
| look forward to | anticipate | I look forward to seeing you. |
| look up to | admire | She looks up to her teacher. |
| look down on | consider inferior | Don’t look down on them. |
| look out for | watch for / protect | Look out for cars! |
Test application
Section titled “Test application”I didn’t enjoy the trip at the time, but when I look ___ ___ it now, I realise it was a good experience.
Answer: back on — reflect on the past trip with hindsight.
Why not the others?
- back on ✓ — reflect
- up, out, forward, about, in, off, to, with — none form “look ___ ___ it” = reflect (look forward to it = anticipate, but the context is past reflection with “it now”)
Source
Section titled “Source”Raymond Murphy, English Grammar in Use (4th ed.), Additional Exercises — Phrasal verbs (Units 137-145). Ebot lesson 2026-08-29: “when I look ___ ___ it now” → back on (reflect).