looks after

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looks after" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is responsible for the care or supervision of someone or something. Example: "She looks after her younger siblings while their parents are at work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"She looks after you.

The New Yorker

He looks after us".

Independent

It looks after itself".

The New York Times

He looks after my garden.

The New Yorker

"The goddess looks after us.

The New Yorker

The rest looks after itself.

Independent

Labour looks after small business".

Independent

No one looks after us".

The New York Times

Nature looks after her.

The Guardian

He looks after me.

The Guardian

Nobody looks after themselves".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looks after" when you want to emphasize the act of providing care, supervision, or protection to someone or something. It implies a sense of responsibility and attention.

Common error

Avoid using "looks after" in highly formal or technical contexts where more precise language might be required. For instance, in a legal document, "is responsible for" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looks after" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of providing care, supervision, or protection. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is both correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "looks after" is a grammatically sound and common way to describe the act of providing care, supervision, or protection. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's appropriate for a wide range of contexts, from everyday conversations to news reports and scientific papers. While more formal alternatives exist, "looks after" effectively conveys a sense of responsibility and attention. Its frequent occurrence in authoritative sources like The Guardian, The New York Times and BBC confirms its widespread acceptance and versatility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

takes care of

Emphasizes the act of providing care and attention.

cares for

Highlights the emotional aspect of providing care.

is responsible for

Focuses on the duty and obligation of providing care.

supervises

Implies overseeing and managing someone or something.

watches over

Suggests protection and vigilance.

tends to

Highlights consistent attention and management.

manages

Focuses on the organizational aspect of providing care.

protects

Emphasizes the act of providing security and safety.

nurtures

Implies fostering growth and development.

is in charge of

Focuses on having control and responsibility for care.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "looks after"?

You can use alternatives like "takes care of", "cares for", or "is responsible for" depending on the context.

How to use "looks after" in a sentence?

You can use "looks after" to describe someone who provides care or supervision, for example: "She looks after her younger siblings after school."

What's the difference between "looks after" and "takes care of"?

While both phrases are similar, "looks after" often implies a more ongoing or supervisory role, whereas "takes care of" can refer to more specific instances of providing care.

Is "looks after" formal or informal?

"Looks after" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal and suitable for everyday conversation and writing. In very formal contexts, "is responsible for" or manages might be more appropriate.