take after someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take after someone" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who resembles or has similar traits to another person, usually a family member. Example: "She really takes after her mother, especially in her artistic talent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Every photo you take of this guy is like the photo you take after you tell someone they're beautiful.

Vice

"It's extremely tough to take over after someone iconic like that," said Kathryn Bennetts, the director of the Royal Ballet of Flanders, who danced with Mr. Kylian at the Stuttgart Ballet early on in their respective careers.

The New York Times - Arts

As seems to be the standard with ad-focused companies these days, this kind of action only seems to take place after someone outside the company drags a questionable practice into the public eye.

TechCrunch

Another new policy forbade columnists throughout the paper to take off after someone another columnist had written about, like, say, embattled-but-connected Dodger owner Frank McCourt.

Huffington Post

In an alternative British universe, Thursday Next, a special operative in literary detection, takes action after someone abducts Jane Eyre.

The New York Times - Books

And despite the fact that Jennifer was very light, when you're lifting someone in water, take after take after take, even the skinniest little girl can feel like 500 pounds.

Huffington Post

Knowledge was measured with three items capturing how Ebola is spread and how long it could it take for someone to get sick after being exposed.

BMC Public Health

I also understand that Rocket Internet approached Take Eat Easy after someone at the company became aware of the startup's traction in Belgium, where it tentatively launched in 2013 after trying out various models.

TechCrunch

Check after 2-3 weeks to avoid risk of your business name being taken by someone who submitted after you but was following it up more closely.

WikiHow

When you are picked and taken to someone's igloo, after a little bit you need to say "hatches" then take off the costume, and dress up in baby clothes.

WikiHow

It took that view after someone, acting on its behalf, asked Miliband's office to provide a copy of the so-called vow.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take after someone", ensure the context clearly indicates which specific traits or characteristics are being inherited or resembled. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "take after someone" to describe general admiration or influence from non-family members. This phrase is best reserved for direct descendants inheriting qualities from their ancestors. If the influence is not familial, consider phrases like "influenced by" or "inspired by" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take after someone" functions as a phrasal verb indicating resemblance, typically referring to inherited traits or characteristics from a family member. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

8%

Social Media

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "take after someone" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrasal verb that describes the resemblance to a family member. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media and Wiki. When writing, it's crucial to reserve this phrase for familial resemblances and specify which traits are being inherited. Alternatives such as "resemble", "look like", or "inherit traits from" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Overall, "take after someone" is a reliable and effective way to express familial similarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inherit traits from someone

Explicitly states the inheritance of characteristics.

resemble someone

Focuses on physical or behavioral similarities without necessarily implying inheritance.

be similar to someone

Highlights general similarities, not specifically inherited traits.

mirror someone

Implies a very close resemblance, almost a reflection.

look like someone

Specifically refers to physical appearance.

have a likeness to someone

A more formal way of expressing resemblance.

bear a resemblance to someone

Similar to 'have a likeness', but slightly more emphatic.

follow in someone's footsteps

Refers to emulating someone's career or life path, not necessarily physical traits.

show the influence of someone

Indicates that someone's traits have been imprinted or made an impact on a person.

be cut from the same cloth as someone

Suggests a shared nature or disposition.

FAQs

What does the phrase "take after someone" mean?

The phrase "take after someone" means to resemble a family member in appearance, personality, or character. It suggests inheriting traits or qualities from an ancestor.

How can I use "take after someone" in a sentence?

You can use "take after someone" in a sentence like this: "She "takes after" her mother in her artistic talent."

What can I say instead of "take after someone"?

You can use alternatives like "resemble someone", "look like someone", or "inherit traits from someone depending on the context.

Is it correct to say someone "takes after" a friend or mentor?

While you can be influenced by a friend or mentor, the phrase "take after" is typically used to describe resemblance to family members. It's more appropriate to say you "are inspired by" or "look up to" a friend or mentor.