What are the definitions of “take after”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Look like, resemble.
He TAKES AFTER his mother.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “take after”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb take after is to look like or resemble someone, usually a family member. It is often used to describe physical appearance or personality traits that are similar between relatives.
What are the different verb forms of “take after”?
| Root Verb | take after |
| Third Person Singular Present | takes after |
| Present Participle | taking after |
| Simple Past | took after |
| Past Participle | taken after |
Example
She takes after her father in her love for sports.
Example
He takes after his mother in appearance.
Example
The baby is taking after her grandmother with her curly hair.
Example
Everyone said I took after my aunt when I was younger.
Example
He has always taken after his older brother in his sense of humor.
What kind of phrasal verb is “take after”?
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
“take 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 takes after her mother in her kindness.
Example
He takes after his father in his love for music.
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
“take 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 takes after her mother in her kindness.
Example
He takes after his father in his love for music.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “take after”?
To resemble someone in personality traits or behavior.
Example
The young girl takes after her grandmother in her strong-willed and independent nature.
Good things to know
Does “take after” have an informal or formal tone?
Take after is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations to describe similarities between family members or close friends. In more formal settings, it can be used to describe resemblances in a respectful and appropriate manner.
