Phrasal verb
care for
Meanings
to look after someone or something by providing needed help, support, or protection
to like something or want something (often used in questions or with negatives)
Definition
To care for someone means to look after them and provide what they need.
To care for someone is to look after them, especially when they are ill, young, or need help. It involves meeting their daily needs, keeping them safe, and offering support. In another common meaning, it can also mean to like something or want it.
Examples
- I care for my grandmother when my parents are at work.
- She cares for her plants by watering them every morning.
- They care for their dog even when it needs extra attention.
- Do you care for a cup of tea after the meeting?
- He doesn’t care for loud music in small spaces.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "care for" (look after/like) with "care about" (feel concerned about).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.