Phrasal verb
look after
Definition
phrasal verb. to take care of someone or something; to make sure they stay safe and well.
phrasal verb. to assume responsibility for the care, safety, or maintenance of a person, animal, or object.
Examples
“I look after my little brother on Saturdays.”
“She looks after her neighbour's cat while they are on holiday.”
“Having looked after the family estate for decades, he knew every creaking floorboard and hidden stair.”
Examples
simple
“I look after my little brother on Saturdays.”
contextual
“She looks after her neighbour's cat while they are on holiday.”
complex
“Having looked after the family estate for decades, he knew every creaking floorboard and hidden stair.”
Usage
usually followed by a noun or pronoun referring to a person, pet, or possession.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'take care of' (fully synonymous) and 'care for' (can also mean 'like'); 'look after' is everyday British and American.
Pitfall
I look my brother after.
I look after my brother.
this phrasal verb is inseparable; the object must follow 'after'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
after
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
look + after + object