English Phrasal Verb: To Look After

To take care of

To Look After

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Example Sentences for the English Phrasal Verb Look After

1. Her children moved back home to look after her after Kathy broken her leg.
2. Sarah's mom said she could have a dog only if she promised to look after it.
3. Mary didn’t look after her bike properly. That is why it stopped working.
4. I really like this server. She always looks after us when we come in.
5. As well as looking after all the plants, the gardener also mows the lawn.

The English phrasal verb, to look after, is transitive and separable.

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English Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs can be extremely tricky for learners of English. The reason for this is twofold: there are lots of them and their meaning is not always obvious from the words that make them up. To make things even more difficult, phrasal verbs can have multiple meanings, adding to the headache for learners.

A phrasal verb is made up of a main verb with an attached preposition or adverb. An example of a phrasal verb is run into. Where run is the main verb and into is the preposition. Phrasal verbs can be separated into two groups, intransitive and transitive verbs. Intransitive phrasal verbs do not have a direct object: go out, for example, "I want to go out tonight". Transitive phrasal verbs have a direct object and they can be split up into two further categories: separable and inseparable. With separable transitive phrasal verbs, the verb and the preposition can be split up. For example, both “turn off the radio” and “turn the radio off” are both correct. Inseparable phrasal verbs cannot be split up. For example, “I’ll look after you” is correct, but “I’ll look you after” is not.

Using Storyboard That you can prepare a visual dictionary of phrasal verbs quickly and easily. Even better than that, have your students create their own phrasal verb visual definitions.

Frequently Asked Questions about English Phrasal Verb: To Look After

What does the phrasal verb 'look after' mean?

'Look after' is a phrasal verb that means to take care of someone or something, making sure they are safe, healthy, or in good condition.

How can teachers explain 'look after' to elementary students?

Teachers can explain 'look after' by giving simple examples like 'I look after my pet' or 'Nurses look after patients', showing it means caring for or helping someone.

What are some examples of sentences using 'look after'?

Examples include: 'Can you look after my bag?', 'She looks after her little brother', and 'Teachers look after students at school'.

Is there a difference between 'look after' and 'take care of'?

'Look after' and 'take care of' both mean to care for someone or something, and are often used interchangeably in most situations.

Why is learning phrasal verbs like 'look after' important for students?

Learning phrasal verbs helps students understand everyday English, communicate more naturally, and improve both listening and speaking skills.