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Phrasal Verbs 1 min read Published January 2025 10 learners asked about this

What does "look after" mean?

What it means: To take care of or be responsible for someone or something."Can you look after my cat while I'm away?""She looks after her elderly parents.""He looks after the IT systems for the whole company.""Look after yourself." (take care of yourself - common farewell)What it implies: Ongoing...

What it means

To take care of or be responsible for someone or something.

"Can you look after my cat while I'm away?"
"She looks after her elderly parents."
"He looks after the IT systems for the whole company."
"Look after yourself." (take care of yourself - common farewell)

What it implies

Ongoing responsibility and care, not just a one-off check.

Not separable

Object follows after:
"Look after the children." βœ“ / "Look the children after." βœ—
"Look after them." βœ“ / "Look them after." βœ—

Looking after yourself

A common phrase in goodbyes, especially British:
"Take care" = "Look after yourself" - warm, genuine concern

In a business context

"This team looks after all European clients." - manages, is responsible for

Frequently asked

What does "look after" mean?

To take care of or be responsible for someone or something.

"Can you look after my cat while I'm away?"
"She looks after her elderly parents."
"He looks after the IT systems for the whole company."
"Look after yourself." (take care of yourself - common farewell)

What's another way to say "look after"?

  • "Take care of" - slightly more formal, same meaning
  • "Care for" - formal: "She cares for disabled residents."
  • "Mind" - British informal: "Can you mind the dog this weekend?"
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