caretaker

USAGE SUMMARY

"caretaker" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who looks after a building, property, or person. For example, "The new caretaker is very friendly and efficient."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or, putting the geography to one side, to mid-table in the most watched league in world football via one relegation, a painful administration and 11 different managers – permanent, interim or caretaker – at Palace alone.

The Guardian - Sport

Stuart McCall, who played for the Bantams in those Premier League seasons and had a spell as their permanent manager from 2007 to 2010 after a caretaker stint in 2000, says: "The Chelsea game will go down as the best result regardless of what happens between now and the end of the season.

The Guardian - Sport

Mark Wood is the uncapped quickie in question and, after a month of carrying the drinks in the Caribbean, the 25-year-old is hoping raw skills trump a lack of familiarity with the home of cricket and that he is granted a Test debut by the captain, Alastair Cook, and the caretaker coach, Paul Farbrace.

The Guardian - Sport

As the Press Association explains: It is ultimately up to the caretaker government to decide on a date.

The Guardian - Business

The club's academy manager, John Pemberton, and the Leyton Orient manager, Russell Slade, who had two spells as caretaker manager at Bramall Lane in the late 1990s, are the early frontrunners for the vacant position with bookmakers.

The Guardian - Sport

Not even the appointment of Bob Stokoe in a caretaker capacity could stop the rot.

The Guardian - Sport

Speroni's managers at Crystal Palace (11): Iain Dowie Peter Taylor Neil Warnockck (1); Paul Hart (interim); George Burley Dougie Freedman Lennie Lawrencecaretakeraker); Ian Holloway Keith Millenn (caretaker, 1); Tony Pulis Millenn (caretaker, 2); Warnock (2); Millen (caretaker, 3); Alan Pardew.

The Guardian - Sport

The caretaker manager Paul Hart, whose own future will be resolved at a board meeting this week, downplayed his contribution to preserving their Premier League status.

The Guardian - Sport

The Southend manager, Phil Brown, would be a popular choice with fans because of his long association with the Lancashire club as a player, caretaker manager and coach.

The Guardian - Sport

He was linked with the vacancy at Tottenham Hotspur following the December sacking of André Villas-Boas, but Tim Sherwood, initially caretaker manager, was duly handed the role on a permanent basis to end speculation.

The Guardian - Sport

The three mentally disabled women and a female caretaker lived in better conditions and are being treated as witnesses, he added.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when choosing "caretaker"; alternatives like "guardian" or "custodian" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuances you want to convey.

Common error

Don't assume that everyone understands the specific duties implied by "caretaker". Clearly define the responsibilities to avoid ambiguity. Are they providing physical care, administrative duties, or simply maintaining property?

Linguistic Context

The word "caretaker" functions primarily as a noun, denoting an individual responsible for the care and maintenance of property, people, or even temporary leadership roles. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

8%

Academic

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "caretaker" is a common and grammatically sound term primarily used as a noun to describe someone responsible for the care and maintenance of property, individuals, or temporary administrative duties. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is well-suited for diverse contexts. While maintaining a neutral tone, the specific responsibilities of a "caretaker" should be clarified to avoid ambiguity. Alternative terms like "guardian", "custodian", or "interim manager" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. Its frequent appearance in news media and formal business contexts underscores its widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guardian

Emphasizes the protective and responsible role of looking after someone or something.

custodian

Highlights the role of safeguarding and maintaining property or assets.

attendant

Focuses on providing service and assistance to individuals or facilities.

interim manager

Specifically refers to a temporary role in managing an organization or team.

temporary administrator

Indicates a short-term responsibility for administrative tasks.

relief worker

Denotes someone who provides temporary assistance in a challenging situation.

maintenance worker

Emphasizes the upkeep and repair aspects of the role.

short-term supervisor

Highlights the temporary supervisory responsibilities.

substitute

Indicates a role of replacing someone temporarily.

locum

Particularly in medical field, emphasizes temporarily filling in for someone's work.

FAQs

How is "caretaker" used in a sentence?

The word "caretaker" can be used to describe someone who takes care of a place, thing, or person. For example, "The building's "janitor" also acts as the "caretaker", ensuring everything is in good order."

What words can I use instead of "caretaker"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "guardian", "custodian", or "interim manager". The best choice depends on the specific role and responsibilities involved.

Is it correct to use "caretaker" for a temporary position?

Yes, "caretaker" can describe a temporary role, especially in contexts like "caretaker manager" or "caretaker government", where someone is filling a position until a permanent replacement is found.

What is the difference between a "caretaker" and a "caregiver"?

While both involve providing care, a "caretaker" often refers to someone who maintains property or a facility, while a "caregiver" typically focuses on providing personal care to individuals who need assistance.