1 B1 idiomatic informal
To take care of a person, animal, or place on someone's behalf
"Could you see after the dog while I'm away this weekend?"
inseparable
see after
B1 informal inseparable transitive
To take care of or attend to someone or something (chiefly British and Irish dialectal variant of 'look after')
In plain English
To take care of someone or deal with something that needs attention
What does "see after" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To attend to or deal with a matter that needs handling
"Don't worry about the arrangements — I'll see after everything before the guests arrive."
inseparable
Usage tip
More common in British, Irish, and Scottish English than in American English. Largely synonymous with 'look after' and 'see to'. May sound regional or old-fashioned to some speakers. Learners should note that 'look after' is more universally understood.
Words that pair with "see after"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
children elderly pets house business guests
How to conjugate "see after"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
see after
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sees after
he/she/it
Past simple
saw after
yesterday
Past participle
seen after
have + pp
-ing form
seeing after
continuous
Hear "see after" in the wild
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Other ways to say "see after"
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