Phrasal verb
take care of
To look after someone or something, or to deal with a task or problem.
Meanings
To look after or be responsible for someone or something, ensuring their safety, health, or maintenance.
To deal with a task, problem, or situation effectively.
Definition
The phrasal verb "take care of" means to be responsible for someone or something, ensuring their well-being, safety, or maintenance. It can also mean to manage or resolve a situation or task effectively. This versatile phrase is commonly used in everyday English to describe handling responsibilities.
Examples
- My neighbor promised to take care of my plants while I'm away on holiday.
- Can you take care of the kids for an hour so I can run to the store?
- Don't worry about the dishes; I'll take care of them after dinner.
- The manager quickly took care of the customer's complaint.
- She always takes care of her pet cat, making sure it has food and a warm bed.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "take care of" with "care for," which can have a similar meaning but often implies affection or a more ongoing, nurturing relationship, or to like something.
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More at B1 level
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.