care for vs look after

Both 'care for' and 'look after' are correct phrases in English, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Care for' is more commonly used in a nurturing or emotional sense, while 'look after' is often used in a practical or physical sense. They can be used interchangeably in some situations, but it's important to consider the nuance each phrase brings.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 749 views

The phrase 'care for' is correct and commonly used in English, especially in the context of nurturing or emotional support.

"care for"

It is used to express the act of providing emotional or physical support, protection, or assistance to someone or something. It can also mean to like or be fond of someone or something.

Examples:

She cares for her elderly neighbor by checking in on her regularly.
I care for you deeply and want to make sure you're okay.
He cares for his plants by watering them every day.
The nurse cares for the patients with compassion and kindness.
I care for chocolate more than any other dessert.

Show examples from the web [+]

Your father didn't have to care for you the way he did.
You're hired here to care for these people under our guidelines.
And I couldn't care for you.
She's concerned I can't care for her.
But I did not care for those people.
Our aim should be no-fee health care for all.
You care for nothing but yourself.
This amendment introduces a duty of care for economic operators.
You should care for it like a human being.
I guess he didn't much care for his treatment.
I will care for the baby very well.
We need not care for his good opinion.
They learned how to care for each other.
I don't care for the way she treats people.
Let us Banshees care for you.
And that this behaviour inhibited her ability to care for their son.
It's too hard to care for.
To love someone means to care for the other's wellbeing.
Men don't care for common girls.
Johnny doesn't care for fighting.

Alternatives:

take care of
nurture
support
look out for

The phrase 'look after' is correct and commonly used in English, especially in the context of taking care of someone or something in a practical or physical way.

"look after"

It is used to indicate the act of caring for or being responsible for someone or something, often in terms of their physical well-being or needs.

Examples:

She looks after her younger siblings while her parents are at work.
Can you look after my dog while I'm on vacation?
He looks after the house when I'm away.
The nurse looks after the patients' medical needs.
I'll look after the cooking if you take care of the cleaning.

Show examples from the web [+]

Perhaps you will look after them for me.
We teach the handicapped how to look after themselves.
Let the doctor look after the disease.
We let custom and institutional practice look after such needs.
Muriel, we can look after ourselves.
He was just trying to look after me.
I've been assigned to look after your personal welfare.
No. You stay here and look after Elizabeth.
But I must look after Mr. Hutchinson now.
I'm too weak to look after them any more.
I'm too weak to look after them any more.
Well, someone has to look after those children.
The Doctor is needed to look after British prisoners in Tobruk.
Takes me all me time to look after meself.
You can't look after yourself, that's obvious.
Hans, look after Major Foehn.
Told him to look after me.
I asked you to look after her.
Skipper, I would like to look after my casualties.
One shouldn't write but look after children.

Alternatives:

take care of
care for
watch over
attend to

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

care for vs look after

"care for"

"look after"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text