cared

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cared" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing concern or affection for someone or something in the past tense. Example: "She always cared for her friends and made sure they were happy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No one cared.

The New York Times

"In [the] Teso region in the past, even in very rich families, people only cared about educating boys," he told me.

The Guardian

I doubt if those behind the campaign against him knew or cared about the effect their actions were having on a man who put enormous value on integrity.

The Guardian - Opinion

The fact is that where women feel well supported, where they are cared for, and where they are psychologically healthy, the general pattern is that they go out of their way to ensure every protection possible for their unborn babies.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'd go to the Co-op and my song was playing on the radio and nobody cared.

The Guardian - Music

Growing up on the farm, surrounded by animals and cared for by those he still refers to lovingly as "Mother and Father", he became a voracious reader, excelled in school, travelled to Buenos Aires to study music and finally returned to Olavarría to become a successful music teacher and professional musician with his own band, the Ignacio Hurban Grupo.

The Guardian

Maricel, 36, sobbed as she said she wanted to return to her children, aged seven and 11, who were being cared for by her ailing parents in the Philippines.

The Guardian

And all the time explaining to bemused fans of so-called bigger clubs why I cared so much about this little provincial side who perennially hung around the third and fourth divisions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ian Crabbe, Alton Towers' divisional director, said in a statement: "May I first say that my colleagues and I are devastated by what has happened here today, and our only priority at this time is to work with the emergency services to get the 16 people affected off the ride safely, and most importantly those who are injured are being cared for.

The Guardian - Travel

What I cared about was that the UK should remain a party to the convention.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He lived next door to his parents and latterly his brother in his grandfather's croft house near Fort William and cared for them through sickness and old age," noted Clegg.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cared", ensure the context clearly indicates what or whom the subject cared about. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overusing "cared" when a milder term like "noticed" or "acknowledged" might be more appropriate. Overstating concern can weaken your message.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cared" is as the past tense of the verb 'care'. It indicates a past action or state of concern, affection, or responsibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound and prevalent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cared" functions as a past tense verb expressing a feeling of concern, affection, or responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially in news and media. While versatile, be mindful of the intensity conveyed; sometimes, milder terms may be more fitting. For nuanced expressions, consider alternatives like "was concerned" or ""looked after"". Using "cared" effectively involves being clear about the object of concern and avoiding overuse to maintain impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looked after

Highlights the act of providing care and protection.

was concerned

Focuses more on the feeling of worry or concern.

felt affection

Emphasizes the feeling of love or fondness.

showed consideration

Highlights the act of being thoughtful and attentive.

was mindful of

Emphasizes being aware and attentive to someone's needs.

took interest

Indicates a level of curiosity or attention given.

paid attention to

Focuses on giving focus and consideration.

felt responsible

Conveys a sense of duty or obligation.

was invested in

Highlights emotional or personal involvement.

gave importance to

Indicates the act of valuing something or someone.

FAQs

How can I use "cared" in a sentence?

You can use "cared" to show that someone felt concern, affection, or responsibility towards someone or something in the past. For example, "She always "looked after" her friends" or "He "felt responsible" for the project's success".

What are some alternatives to the word "cared"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you can use alternatives like "was concerned", "felt affection", "showed consideration", or "took interest".

What's the difference between "cared" and "liked"?

"Cared" implies a deeper level of concern or affection than "liked". While "liked" suggests enjoyment or approval, "cared" indicates a sense of responsibility or protectiveness. For example, you might like a song, but you care for your family.

When is it appropriate to use "cared deeply"?

Use "cared deeply" when you want to emphasize the intensity of someone's concern or affection. It indicates a strong emotional connection or a significant sense of responsibility. For instance, "He "felt deeply responsible" for the welfare of the community".