Look After – Meaning and Examples
Children need care, pets require attention, and belongings need protection. In English, we say we need to look after these important people and things. This caring idiom is essential for talking about responsibility and care in daily life.
What Does “Look After” Mean?
“Look after” means to take care of someone or something, ensuring their well-being and safety. Think of it like a parent watching over a child—making sure they’re safe, fed, and happy. It describes the responsibility of caring for people, animals, or possessions.
When to Use It
Use this idiom when talking about caring for children or elderly relatives. Use it when discussing pet care or plant maintenance. Use it when responsible for protecting belongings or property. It is a warm, responsible phrase that shows care and attention.
Example Sentences
- Can you look after my cat while I’m on vacation?
- She looks after her younger brother after school.
- We need to look after our environment for future generations.
- He’s very good at looking after his expensive camera equipment.
Mini Dialogue
Maria: “We’re going away for the weekend. Could you possibly…?”
David: “Of course! I’d be happy to look after your plants and collect your mail.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Remember, this idiom is about care and responsibility. It is not about visual searching or watching something.
❌ Don’t say: “I need to look after my keys—I can’t find them.” (Use “look for” instead).
✅ Do say: “I need to look after my grandmother while she recovers from surgery.”
Practice Tip
Think of one thing or person you’re responsible for caring for. Create a sentence like “I need to look after [person/thing] by [action].” For example, “I need to look after my neighbor’s dog by feeding him twice daily.” This connects the idiom to real responsibility.
Final Note
You now know how to use “look after” to describe caring for people, animals, and belongings. This responsible and caring phrase will help you talk about your duties and kindness toward others. Use it to show you take your caregiving responsibilities seriously!