we looked after

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we looked after" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is taking care of or being responsible for someone or something. Example: "During the summer, we looked after our neighbor's pets while they were on vacation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"We looked after each other.

The Guardian

"In London, we looked after each other," she told me.

The Guardian

We looked after each other – I felt acceptance and love from people I met," he says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Naira and I shared a love of birds and we looked after each other's pets.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

How have we looked after it, and does it fulfil its potential?

The Guardian - Opinion

"Eorl had a tightening in his back and we looked after it.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

We look after the underdog.

The Guardian - Opinion

We look after our own.

The Guardian - Opinion

We look after our water..

The Guardian

"We look after ourselves," Lawwell added.

The Guardian - Sport

"We look after these young people".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we looked after" when you want to emphasize the act of providing care, supervision, or protection to someone or something. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses within the same sentence when using "we looked after". For example, instead of saying "We looked after the garden, and now it is thriving", maintain past tense consistency: "We looked after the garden, and it thrived."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we looked after" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of providing care, supervision, or protection. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts, from caring for pets to managing serious illnesses.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we looked after" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that a group provided care, supervision, or protection. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's versatile enough for both informal and formal settings. While "we cared for" and "we took care of" serve as excellent substitutes, "we looked after" often implies a more continuous or vigilant approach. Whether you're discussing community support, professional responsibilities, or personal relationships, this phrase offers a clear and effective way to communicate the act of providing care.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we cared for

Replaces "looked after" with a more general term for providing care.

we took care of

A very common and direct synonym for providing care and attention.

we watched over

Implies a protective aspect of care, suggesting vigilance.

we attended to

Focuses on addressing the needs and requirements of someone or something.

we were responsible for

Highlights the obligation and duty in providing care.

we protected

Emphasizes safeguarding from harm or danger.

we guarded

Suggests a more active role in defending and protecting.

we nurtured

Implies fostering growth and development through care.

we fostered

Similar to nurture, but often used in the context of raising a child or animal.

we kept safe

Focuses on maintaining the safety and well-being of someone or something.

FAQs

What does "we looked after" mean?

The phrase "we looked after" means that a group of people took responsibility for and cared for someone or something, ensuring their well-being and safety.

What is a good substitute for "we looked after"?

You can use alternatives like "we cared for", "we took care of", or "we watched over" depending on the context.

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

Here's an example: "During our vacation, we looked after our neighbor's cat." The phrase indicates a period of responsibility and care.

Is there a difference between "we looked after" and "we took care of"?

While both phrases are very similar, "we looked after" can sometimes imply a more continuous or vigilant form of care than "we took care of". The choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.