LOOK AFTER – Phrasal Verb
What is the Meaning of
LOOK AFTER?
look after someone/something
Definition:
take care of; to be responsible for someone, or something
If you are looking after a person, this means to spend time with them and make sure that they are safe and have the things they need. This is most commonly used for children or people who are sick.
Examples:
1. I am going to look after my friend’s baby while she goes to the dentist.
2. Someone needs to look after her grandfather. He has Alzheimer’s disease.
If you are talking about something (e.g., a pet, plants, someone’s home, or possessions), it means that you will be responsible for it.
Examples:
1. We are looking after our neighbour’s house while they are on vacation.
2. Sue, will you look after my luggage for a minute while I use the washroom?
3. Who is going to look after your cat while you are on vacation?
LOOK AFTER can be used when you are delegating tasks.
Again, this means to be responsible for.
Examples:
1. We like to have a big meal at Thanksgiving. We have a lot of relatives and preparing all the food is a big job. So, this year, we decided that I will look after the turkey, my sisters will look after the other hot food, and the others in the family will look after salads and desserts.
2. Cris is going to look after the accounting for the project. Tom will look after media communication, and Pat will look after administration.
| present – | LOOK AFTER |
| present participle – | LOOKING AFTER |
| past – | LOOKED AFTER |
| past participle – | LOOKED AFTER |
