taking care of

USAGE SUMMARY

"taking care of" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that one is in charge of something or someone and making sure their needs are met. For example, "The nurse is taking care of the patients in the hospital."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I'm taking care of you".

The New York Times

Mom's always taking care of Oliver!

The New York Times - Books

"He isn't taking care of himself".

The New Yorker

Taking care of herself: I do meditation.

The New York Times

I loved taking care of him.

The New York Times - Magazine

"You're taking care of your sanity.

The New Yorker

Basketball is taking care of itself".

The New York Times - Sports

He was done taking care of Molly.

The New Yorker

"The adults are taking care of business".

The New York Times

I like taking care of people".

The New York Times

How are you taking care of yourself?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the specific nuance you want to convey: "looking after" might be better if you mean supervising, while "tending to" is more appropriate for providing specific care.

Common error

While "taking care of" is versatile, avoid using it repetitively in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms like "managing", "handling", or "attending to" to make your writing more engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking care of" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often acting as the main verb in a sentence. It indicates the action of providing attention, responsibility, or management for someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms this widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

21%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "taking care of" is a very common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to indicate the act of providing attention, responsibility, or management. Ludwig AI validates its broad usage across diverse contexts, including news, business, and personal interactions. While versatile, it’s essential to consider synonyms like "looking after" or "tending to" to avoid repetition and ensure clarity in writing. The analysis reveals that while acceptable in formal writing, more precise alternatives might be preferable in highly technical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looking after

Focuses on the act of supervising and protecting something or someone.

tending to

Emphasizes the act of attending to needs and providing service.

managing

Highlights the aspect of controlling and organizing resources or people.

supervising

Concentrates on overseeing and directing activities.

handling

Implies dealing with a situation or object effectively.

maintaining

Focuses on keeping something in good condition.

protecting

Highlights the act of shielding from harm or danger.

administering

Emphasizes the formal act of managing or governing.

catering to

Focuses on providing specific needs or desires.

attending to

Stresses being present and responsive to needs.

FAQs

How can I use "taking care of" in a sentence?

You can use "taking care of" to describe the act of providing attention, protection, or responsibility for someone or something. For example, "She is "taking care of" her younger siblings" or "The company is "taking care of" its employees' health needs".

What are some alternatives to "taking care of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "looking after", "tending to", or "managing". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "taking care of" and "assume care of"?

"Taking care of" generally implies an ongoing process of providing care, while "assume care of" suggests the beginning of that responsibility. For example, you "assume care of" a patient when you become their primary caregiver and then you start ""taking care of"" them.

When is it appropriate to use "taking care of" in formal writing?

"Taking care of" is generally acceptable in most contexts, including formal writing. However, in highly formal or technical contexts, you might consider using more precise alternatives like "administering", "managing", or "overseeing" depending on the specific meaning you intend.