Phrasal verb
look after
Meanings
to take care of a person by helping, supervising, or protecting them
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to take care of something by maintaining it and keeping it in good condition
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to be responsible for a task or situation and make sure it is handled properly
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Definition
To look after someone or something means to take care of them and make sure they are safe and well.
If you look after someone, you care for them and help with their needs, especially when they are young, ill, or need support. If you look after something, you take responsibility for it and keep it in good condition. It often implies attention, supervision, and ongoing responsibility.
Examples
- I look after my niece on Fridays after school.
- Can you look after the dog while we’re away this weekend?
- He looks after his grandmother and cooks dinner for her.
- She looks after the garden carefully during the summer.
- They look after the meeting logistics so everyone knows where to go.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "look after" with "look for" (searching) and use it when they mean to find something, not take care of it.
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.