looked after

USAGE SUMMARY

"looked after" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to take care of or watch over someone or something. Example: The children were looked after by their grandparents while their parents were on vacation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lamented, looked after, exalted".

The New Yorker

Children must be properly looked after".

The New Yorker

Vegetarians are well looked after, as well.

The Telegraph

I have been looked after well.

BBC

"They looked after kids.

The Economist

And looked after.

Independent

It should be looked after".

Independent

They were well looked after.

The Economist

Abdallah looked after that.

The New York Times

Who looked after them?

The New York Times

"She's looked after me.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "looked after", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is providing the care or maintenance. For example, "The garden was well looked after by the gardener".

Common error

Avoid substituting "after" with other prepositions like "for" or omitting it entirely. The correct form is "looked after". For example, it is incorrect to say "He looked the children" instead of "He "looked after" the children".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "looked after" is a phrasal verb in the past participle form. It typically functions as part of a passive verb construction or as an adjective describing something that has received care or attention. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looked after" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrasal verb signifying care, supervision, or maintenance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a versatile phrase applicable in both formal and informal contexts, predominantly found in News & Media. Common usage involves passive voice constructions. To ensure clarity, always indicate who or what is providing care and avoid substituting "after" with other prepositions. Alternatives include "cared for" and "taken care of", each carrying slightly different connotations. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "looked after" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cared for

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of providing care, similar to "looked after" but with a stronger connotation of affection.

taken care of

A more general term for ensuring someone's or something's well-being, closely related to "looked after" in meaning and usage.

watched over

Focuses on the act of supervising and protecting, similar to "looked after" but highlights the aspect of vigilance.

minded

British English term for taking care of someone or something, synonymous with "looked after" in that context.

protected

Highlights the action of shielding from harm or danger, conveying a sense of security similar to "looked after".

maintained

Focuses on keeping something in good condition, akin to "looked after" when referring to the upkeep of objects or systems.

tended to

Implies regular attention and care, similar to "looked after" but often used in the context of gardening or personal needs.

superintended

Suggests overseeing and managing, related to "looked after" when referring to a formal supervisory role.

kept safe

Emphasizes the act of ensuring safety, similar to "looked after" when the primary concern is security.

steward

Highlights the responsible management of resources, linking to "looked after" in the context of careful handling and preservation.

FAQs

How can I use "looked after" in a sentence?

You can use "looked after" to describe the act of caring for someone or something. For example, "The elderly were well "looked after" in the nursing home" or "The company "looked after" its employees by providing excellent benefits".

What is the difference between "looked after" and "cared for"?

While both phrases imply taking care of someone or something, "cared for" often carries a stronger emotional connotation. "Cared for" suggests affection and nurturing, whereas "looked after" is a more general term for ensuring well-being and maintenance.

What are some alternatives to "looked after"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "taken care of", "watched over", or "maintained" instead of "looked after". These alternatives offer different nuances in meaning.

Is "looked after" formal or informal?

"Looked after" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It's a common and widely understood phrase suitable for various writing styles, as seen in examples from news media and academic sources. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the piece.