Take after means to be similar to an older member of your family. The likeness can be in looks, character or habits: She takes after her father, meaning she is like her father.
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take after + mother/father/grandparent; take after + mum's/dad's side of the family
- My son takes after his grandfather: he can fix almost anything with basic tools.
- My friends say I take after my father because we both stay calm in a crisis.
- My sister takes after our mum and plans every trip down to the last detail.
What changed
First versionEveryone says I look after my mother because we have the same smile.
RevisionEveryone says I take after my mother because we have the same smile.
Look after means to care for someone: I look after my mother means I take care of my mum. For being similar to a parent, use take after. The two phrases differ by only one word, so they are easy to mix up, but their meanings are completely different.
Take after is used only about older relatives: a child takes after a parent, not the other way round. If someone is similar to a friend or colleague, use look like or be like: You're just like Max, always late.
Your turn
My younger brother ___ our father: he's just as stubborn and never admits he's wrong.
Show the answer
takes after — This is about character, about being stubborn, not about appearance. Look like describes only physical similarity, while take after also covers character.
Write which older relative you are similar to. Mention a character trait or habit you share.
I take after my grandmother because we both get up at six every morning, even at weekends.
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