Quick Definition
Look After — To take care of a person, animal, or thing.
Meanings of Look After
| Meaning | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Care for a person/animal | She looks after her elderly parents. | She takes care of them. |
| Maintain/keep safe | Can you look after my bag while I go to the toilet? | Can you keep it safe temporarily? |
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Meaning in Context |
|---|---|
| She looks after her elderly parents. | She takes care of them. |
| Can you look after my bag while I go to the toilet? | Can you keep it safe temporarily? |
| "Don't worry -- I'll look after it." | Using it in a short reassurance. |
| She decided to look after the whole situation. | Applying the phrasal verb in context. |
Grammar Notes
Separability & Transitivity
Type: inseparable | Transitivity: transitive
Inseparable. Object always follows 'after': look after the children. Cannot split: NOT look the children after.
How to Use Look After
Neutral. Common in both formal (healthcare) and informal (everyday) contexts.
| Register | Example / Notes |
|---|---|
| Informal / Spoken | She looks after her elderly parents. |
| Neutral / Written | Consider context; single-word synonyms may suit formal writing. |
Similar Phrasal Verbs
Practise Look After
Practice English Phrasal Verbs
Use these exercises to master phrasal verbs in context:
Frequently Asked Questions about Look After
What does "Look After" mean?
"Look After" means: To take care of a person, animal, or thing. It is a transitive phrasal verb rated CEFR B1.
Is "Look After" separable or inseparable?
"Look After" is inseparable. Inseparable. Object always follows 'after': look after the children. Cannot split: NOT look the children after.
How do I use "Look After" in a sentence?
She looks after her elderly parents. -- in this example, 'Look After' means she takes care of them.
What is the register of "Look After"?
Neutral. Common in both formal (healthcare) and informal (everyday) contexts.
What CEFR level is "Look After"?
"Look After" is typically taught at CEFR B1 — Intermediate level. It appears frequently in neutral contexts.
What is the difference between "Look After" and similar phrasal verbs?
"Look After" specifically means: To take care of a person, animal, or thing. Compare with similar verbs in the 'Similar Phrasal Verbs' section below for nuanced differences.
Can "Look After" be used formally?
Neutral. Common in both formal (healthcare) and informal (everyday) contexts. When writing formally, consider whether a single-word synonym might be more appropriate for the context.
Does "Look After" take an object?
"Look After" is transitive. Inseparable. Object always follows 'after': look after the children. Cannot split: NOT look the children after.
How can I practise "Look After"?
Use LexFizz's Find the Match and Flip Tiles exercises to practise 'Look After' in context. Seeing it in multiple sentences helps the meaning stick.
Is "Look After" used in British or American English?
"Look After" is used in both British and American English, though register and frequency may vary. Neutral. Common in both formal (healthcare) and informal (everyday) contexts.