In English grammar, phrasal verbs can be a tricky subject, especially when learners are trying to determine whether a particular verb is separable or inseparable. One common example that often leads to confusion is the phrasal verb look after. Understanding the nature of this verb whether it can be separated or not is important for both writing and speaking correctly. This topic explores the structure and function of look after, its classification, and how to use it properly in different contexts.
Understanding Phrasal Verbs
What Are Phrasal Verbs?
Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and one or more ptopics, which could be prepositions or adverbs. These combinations often take on meanings that are different from the original verb. For example, look on its own means to use your eyes, but look after means to take care of someone or something. This shift in meaning is what makes phrasal verbs unique and sometimes challenging.
Separable vs. Inseparable Phrasal Verbs
To understand whether look after is separable or inseparable, it’s useful to first understand what these terms mean
- SeparableThe object can be placed between the verb and the ptopic. For example, turn off the lights or turn the lights off.
- InseparableThe object must come after the entire phrasal verb. For example, look after the baby, not look the baby after.
Is Look After Separable or Inseparable?
Classification of Look After
The phrasal verb look after is classified as inseparable. This means that the object of the verb cannot be placed between look and after. The correct sentence is
I will look after your dog while you’re on vacation.
Incorrect usage would be
I will look your dog after. (This is grammatically incorrect.)
Why Is Look After Inseparable?
The key reason lies in the nature of the preposition after. It forms a fixed phrase with the verb look, creating a unit of meaning that should not be broken. When you separate these elements, the meaning is lost or the sentence becomes incorrect. The verb and the preposition work together to convey the idea of caring for someone or something.
Examples of Correct Usage
In Sentences
- She looks after her younger siblings every evening.
- Can you look after my plants while I’m away?
- The nurse looked after the elderly patients with great care.
With Pronouns
When using pronouns, the inseparability still applies. You must place the pronoun after the entire phrasal verb
- I asked her to look after him.
- They will look after us during the trip.
Again, it would be incorrect to say look him after or look us after.
Common Mistakes with Look After
Misplacing the Object
As mentioned earlier, placing the object between look and after is a common error, especially among learners who are more familiar with separable verbs. Always remember that look after must stay together.
Confusing with Similar Verbs
Learners may confuse look after with look for or look at, which are different in both meaning and structure.
- Look after = take care of
- Look for = search or seek
- Look at = direct your eyes toward something
Example of confusion Incorrect – I’m looking after my keys. Correct – I’m looking for my keys. The first sentence suggests you’re taking care of your keys, which doesn’t make much sense.
Grammar Structure of Look After
Present Simple
He looks after his pet every morning.
Past Simple
She looked after her grandmother last year.
Future Tense
They will look after the house during our absence.
Present Continuous
I am looking after my cousin this weekend.
Present Perfect
He has looked after the dog since Monday.
Use in Different Contexts
Professional Settings
In business or medical environments, look after may be used to refer to managing or attending to responsibilities or people
- The manager looks after the financial department.
- The nurse will look after you during recovery.
Personal and Domestic Use
In everyday conversations, it’s often used when discussing children, pets, or the elderly
- Can you look after the kids while I run errands?
- My neighbor is looking after our cat.
Tips for Remembering Inseparable Verbs
Learn by Phrases
Instead of memorizing verbs individually, learn them as full phrases. Look after should always be remembered as one block that should not be separated.
Practice with Sentences
Writing full sentences using the phrasal verb can help solidify correct usage. Repetition helps reinforce the inseparability of the phrase.
Listen and Read
Watch English shows or read topics where the phrase look after is used naturally. Pay attention to the structure and placement of the words.
Understanding whether a phrasal verb is separable or inseparable is crucial for mastering English grammar. In the case of look after, it is clearly an inseparable phrasal verb. That means the verb and the preposition must remain together and the object must follow the entire phrase. Whether you’re using it in daily conversation, writing, or professional contexts, applying the rule correctly will make your English sound more fluent and natural. As you build your vocabulary and understanding of phrasal verbs, always pay close attention to patterns of usage and structure. Look after is a perfect example of a verb that teaches both language and responsibility. Keep practicing, and you’ll be using it with confidence in no time.