What does the phrasal verb “look after” mean?

What are the definitions of “look after”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Take care.

  Their auntie LOOKED AFTER them while their mother was in hospital.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “look after”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb look after is to take care of someone or something, such as a child, a pet, or a house. It means to make sure that they are safe, healthy, and well-maintained.

What are the different verb forms of “look after”?

Root Verb	look after
Third Person Singular Present	looks after
Present Participle	looking after
Simple Past	looked after
Past Participle	looked after

Example

Please look after my dog while I'm on vacation.

Example

She looks after her younger siblings every day.

Example

He is looking after his neighbor's plants while they are away.

Example

They looked after their grandmother when she was sick.

Example

The children have always been well looked after by their parents.

What kind of phrasal verb is “look after”?

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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

“look after” 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 looked after her younger brother.

Example

He looked after the house while his parents were away.

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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

“look after” 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 looked after her younger brother.

Example

He looked after the house while his parents were away.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “look after”?

Look after oneself

To take care of one's own needs and well-being.

Example

It's important to look after yourself and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Look after someone's interests

To protect or promote someone's interests or well-being.

Example

As a lawyer, her job is to look after her client's interests.

Look after the pennies

A saying that means to be careful with small amounts of money, as they can add up to larger amounts over time.

Example

My grandmother always said, 'Look after the pennies, and the pounds will look after themselves.'

Good things to know

Does “look after” have an informal or formal tone?

Look after is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “look after”?

Synonyms

• mind
• nurture
• guard
• protect
• take care of
• care for
• attend to
• watch over

Antonyms

• neglect
• ignore
• abandon
• disregard
• overlook
• mistreat
• harm