take after — resemble a family member
phrasal verbB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
To look or behave like an older family member, especially a parent or relative.
Say it like a native
Textbook She bears a strong resemblance to her mother in temperament.
Native She really takes after her mum.
'Take after' is the everyday way to say someone resembles a relative; the formal version sounds written.
Pattern: take after + noun (usually a person)
In use
- Everyone says I take after my mother because we both have the same smile.family
- In my family, I take after my grandfather, especially in the way I speak and my sense of humor.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ She takes after to her father.
✓ She takes after her father.
No 'to' — 'take after' takes the relative directly.
Common collocations
take after + relative— her mother, his dad, their grandmother, you
Don't confuse it
Do not confuse with 'look after' (to care for someone) or 'take care of'.