looking after

USAGE SUMMARY

"looking after" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of taking care of someone or something. Example: I will be looking after my neighbor's cat while she is on vacation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then the plants need looking after too.

The Economist

He's looking after me".

The New York Times

Somebody's looking after me".

Independent

"God's looking after me".

The New York Times - Sports

"I don't need looking after".

The New Yorker

That's looking after the sport.

The New York Times

God is looking after you.

The New York Times - Sports

BRANDON You're not looking after me.

The New York Times

They don't need much looking after.

The New York Times

Did you end up looking after them?

The New York Times

But she would be looking after them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "Looking after" is a general term for care, but alternatives like "tending to" or "shepherding" can add a more specific meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "looking after" when the context implies only casual observation. Use stronger verbs like "guarding" or "protecting" if the situation involves potential threats.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking after" functions as a present participle verb phrase, often used in continuous tenses to describe an ongoing action of providing care, supervision, or protection. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looking after" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase signifying care, supervision, and responsibility. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. Its neutral register allows it to be used across diverse contexts, from news reports to everyday conversations. While alternatives like "taking care of" exist, the specific choice depends on the desired nuance. Ludwig's examples highlight its practical application and contextual adaptability, making it a valuable phrase in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking care of

Emphasizes the act of providing care and attention.

caring for

Highlights the emotional aspect of providing care.

watching over

Suggests protective observation and guardianship.

tending to

Implies active maintenance and attention to needs.

supervising

Focuses on overseeing and managing someone or something.

minding

A more informal way of saying taking care of.

protecting

Emphasizes safeguarding and ensuring safety.

responsible for

Highlights accountability and duty of care.

in charge of

Indicates having control and management responsibilities.

shepherding

Suggests guiding and protecting, often in a nurturing way.

FAQs

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

You can use "looking after" to describe taking care of someone or something. For example, "I'm "looking after" my neighbor's plants while they are away".

What is a more formal way to say "looking after"?

In formal contexts, you might use "supervising", "responsible for", or "overseeing" instead of ""looking after"".

Which is correct, "looking after" or "look after"?

"Looking after" is the present participle form, often used in continuous tenses (e.g., "I am looking after"). "Look after" is the base form, used in imperatives or simple present tense (e.g., "Please look after the dog").

What's the difference between "taking care of" and "looking after"?

"Taking care of" and "looking after" are largely interchangeable, but "taking care of" can sometimes imply a broader range of responsibilities, while "looking after" might suggest more direct supervision.