look after yourself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "look after yourself" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used as a way of wishing someone well and reminding them to take care of themselves. It is typically used in a casual or friendly tone. Some examples of when you may use it are: 1. "I'm glad you're feeling better. Just remember to look after yourself and get enough rest." 2. "I know you're going through a tough time, but don't forget to look after yourself and prioritize your own well-being." 3. "Before you leave for your trip, make sure to pack everything you need and look after yourself while you're away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nothing.' You have to look after yourself".

Independent

Sometimes it's O.K. to look after yourself.

The New York Times

You've really got to look after yourself".

The New York Times

Good luck, and look after yourself.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If you look after yourself it is not a problem".

Independent

You have really got to look after yourself out here.

The Guardian

OK, bye Will! Bye, you look after yourself.

The Guardian - Music

All you want is to look after yourself".

The Guardian

You have to look after yourself and work out".

The Guardian - Film

In these dismal circumstances, you must look after yourself.

The Guardian - Opinion

But can you look after yourself too much?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When concluding a conversation or message, use "look after yourself" to convey genuine care and concern for the other person's well-being.

Common error

Avoid using "look after yourself" excessively in the same conversation or across multiple interactions, as it can lose its sincerity and sound repetitive. Consider using alternative expressions like "take care" or "be well" to maintain a natural and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look after yourself" functions primarily as an imperative, expressing a wish or encouragement for someone to take care of their well-being. This is supported by Ludwig AI's observation that it is used to wish someone well and remind them to take care of themselves.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

22%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "look after yourself" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express care and concern for someone's well-being. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in wishing others well and reminding them to prioritize self-care. It's versatile, fitting well in both casual and professional contexts, though it leans toward informality. While its frequent use is documented across platforms like News & Media and Wiki, caution should be exercised to avoid overuse in conversations, ensuring it retains its sincerity. For those aiming to express similar sentiments, alternatives like "take care" or "stay safe" may be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take care of yourself

This alternative is a more direct synonym, focusing on the act of self-care.

be careful

This alternative emphasizes caution and safety.

stay safe

This alternative highlights the importance of maintaining personal safety.

mind yourself

This alternative is more common in certain dialects and emphasizes general well-being.

protect yourself

This alternative focuses on safeguarding oneself from harm.

ensure your well-being

This alternative is more formal, emphasizing the importance of health and happiness.

prioritize your health

This alternative highlights the importance of making health a top concern.

be good to yourself

This alternative focuses on self-kindness and treating oneself well.

keep yourself healthy

This alternative specifically emphasizes maintaining good physical health.

attend to your needs

This alternative is a broader expression encompassing various aspects of self-care.

FAQs

How can I use "look after yourself" in a sentence?

You can use "look after yourself" at the end of a conversation to wish someone well, such as "It was great talking to you, look after yourself" or "I hope you feel better soon, please look after yourself".

What is the difference between "take care" and "look after yourself"?

While both phrases convey well-wishes, "look after yourself" implies a more active and conscious effort to maintain one's well-being, whereas "take care" is a more general expression. Consider using "take care of yourself" for similar meaning.

Are there any regional differences in using "look after yourself"?

The phrase "look after yourself" is widely understood and used across English-speaking regions. However, some regions might prefer alternative expressions such as "mind yourself", which is more common in certain dialects.

Is it appropriate to use "look after yourself" in formal situations?

While generally suitable for informal and casual contexts, "look after yourself" can also be used in professional settings when expressing genuine concern. In very formal situations, consider alternatives like "ensure your well-being" to maintain a more professional tone.