Phrasal verb
take after
Meanings
to resemble an older family member in looks or personality
Image generation queued.
to copy someone’s behavior or example, often because you admire them
Image generation queued.
Definition
To take after someone means to look or behave like an older family member.
If you take after someone in your family, you resemble them in appearance, personality, or habits. It is most often used for children and parents or grandparents. The phrase can describe both physical features and the way someone acts.
Examples
- I take after my dad, especially in the way I laugh.
- She takes after her mother and loves meeting new people.
- They take after their grandmother; they both have the same bright eyes.
- Do you take after your father, or are you more like your mom?
Common mistake
Learners sometimes say "take after to" (incorrect); use "take after + person" with no extra preposition.
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.