look after
Phrasal Verbs & Multi-word Verbs

Meaning

take care of; be responsible for

Primary Function

prepositional verb of care

Communicative Purpose

describing caregiving, responsibility

Pattern

look after

Core Structure

look after

Função primária

prepositional verb of care

Propósito comunicativo

describing caregiving, responsibility

Situações de gatilho

childcare, pet sitting, medical advice, managing assets

Contextos

everyday, professional (care roles)

Padrão

look after

Estrutura central

look after

Slots de substituição

the kids, my cat, your health, the finances

Colocados típicos

  • children
  • pets
  • elderly
  • property
  • patients

Substituições comuns

  • take care of
  • care for
  • mind (BrE)

Erros comuns

*look for after someone (double preposition); “look for” is search

Similar / contraste

take care of (more general), care for (also feel affection), attend to (formal)

Interferências

Romance speakers may use “take care” with different prepositions; “look after” is inseparable

Família do chunk

  • aftercare (related term)

Nuance

warm, implies temporary duty

Efeito pragmático

responsible, caring

Dica de memória

look after plants

Nota

Prepositional verb indicating responsibility for someone or something, often temporary.

Upgrade path

assume responsibility for

Frequência: Very highFormulaicidade: FixedTipo de construção: Prepositional verbPrioridade de aquisição: Automatic productionPrioridade de output: BothTag de espaçamento: Immediate

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