1 A2 neutral
To take care of a person or animal, making sure their physical and practical needs are met.
"Could you look after my cat while I'm on holiday next week?"
inseparable
look after
A2 neutral inseparable transitive
To take care of someone or something, making sure they are safe and have everything they need.
In plain English
To take care of a person, animal, or thing — making sure they are okay and have what they need.
What does "look after" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To be responsible for a place or object, keeping it in good condition.
"He looked after the family business while his parents were travelling."
inseparable
3 A2 neutral
(Reflexive) To take care of one's own health, wellbeing, and needs.
"I know you're under a lot of stress right now — please make sure you look after yourself."
inseparable
Usage tip
One of the most common phrasal verbs in everyday British and American English. Can apply to people, animals, places, or objects. Often used for childcare, pet care, and property. The reflexive form 'look after yourself' is a common farewell expression in British English.
Words that pair with "look after"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
children pets yourself elderly house business
How to conjugate "look after"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
look after
I/you/we/they
3rd person
looks after
he/she/it
Past simple
looked after
yesterday
Past participle
looked after
have + pp
-ing form
looking after
continuous
Hear "look after" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "look after" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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