What are the definitions of “care for”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Like.
I don't CARE FOR fizzy drinks; I prefer water.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “care for”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb care for is to like or have a preference for something. For example, it can mean preferring one type of food or drink over another, or having a liking for a particular activity.
What are the different verb forms of “care for”?
| Root Verb | care for |
| Third Person Singular Present | cares for |
| Present Participle | caring for |
| Simple Past | cared for |
| Past Participle | cared for |
Example
I don't care for spicy food; I prefer mild flavors.
Example
She cares for classical music more than pop music.
Example
He is caring for the new movie that just came out.
Example
They cared for the beach more than the mountains on their vacation.
Example
I have always cared for chocolate more than vanilla.
What kind of phrasal verb is “care for”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“care for” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She cares for her new dress.
Example
He cared for the book he just read.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“care for” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She cares for her new dress.
Example
He cared for the book he just read.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “care for”?
Good things to know
Does “care for” have an informal or formal tone?
Care for is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
