phrasal verb🧩 phrasal verb
look after
to take care of
What it means
To take care of someone or something, making sure they are safe, healthy, or in good condition. It's used for people, pets, plants, possessions, and even responsibilities.
Words like “look after” are exactly the kind of vocabulary our English vocabulary size test measures — find out how many English words you know.
Examples
- Could you look after my cat while I'm away on holiday next week?
- She looks after her elderly mother who lives in the same town.
- He doesn't really look after his car; it's always dirty inside.
- Don't worry about the kids; I'll look after them this evening.
Where it comes from
Inseparable. More common in British English; American speakers often prefer 'take care of'. Cannot be split: never say 'look the baby after'.
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