Hi everyone,

Is there a phrase like "to look back at/on/in the past? What preposition would you use?

E.g. If we look at the past, we can predict the future
Is it correct?

Question

Hi everyone,

Is there a phrase like "to look back at/on/in the past? What preposition would you use?

E.g. If we look at the past, we can predict the future
Is it correct?

Answer

The example you used is correct.
We can also use look back, in the same way, this is a phrasal verb and it means - think of the past.
For example; Looking back I wish I had told her before anyone else.

I hope this clears it up for you :)

Answer

For my part, look back at/on the past are both OK.

Answer

Totally agree with Rianne, but 'looking back on' might work better with a specific event.

"When I look back on that day, I wish I had behaved differently." This implies your direct involvement with the past you are talking about.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!