SpeakUp

Grammar fix

look after

take care of

To care for someone or something and make sure they are safe, healthy, or in good condition.

phrasal verbB1core

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • Could you look after my dog while I'm on holiday?daily life
  • In my culture, it is common for grandparents to look after their grandchildren while the parents are at work.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: look after + noun/pronoun

WrongShe looks after of her parents.

RightShe looks after her parents.

No 'of' — 'look after' takes its object directly.

Patternlook after + noun/pronoun

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff Could you supervise the children this evening?

Natural Could you look after the kids tonight?

'Look after' is the warm, everyday verb for caring for someone. 'Supervise' sounds official, like a job duty.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • look after + person/thing
    the kidsyour healththe housea pet

Don't confuse it

'Look after' is about caring; 'look for' is about searching.

Try it in Daily Speak →