Meaning
To look after someone or something, providing necessary attention and protection.
Cultural Background
Being a person who 'takes care of things' is a highly valued trait. It implies you are a 'self-starter' who doesn't need constant supervision. Using 'I'll take care of it' when a bill arrives is a common way to avoid the awkwardness of 'splitting the bill'. It is seen as generous and decisive. While the English phrase is used, the cultural concept of 'Omotenashi' means taking care of guests with extreme detail and anticipation. On social media and apps, 'taking care of' often refers to managing privacy settings or 'taking care of' one's online community/followers.
The 'I'll handle it' vibe
In a job interview, use 'I took care of...' to describe your achievements. It sounds more active than 'I was responsible for...'
Don't forget the 'of'!
Saying 'I'll take care the baby' is a very common mistake. Always include 'of'.
Meaning
To look after someone or something, providing necessary attention and protection.
The 'I'll handle it' vibe
In a job interview, use 'I took care of...' to describe your achievements. It sounds more active than 'I was responsible for...'
Don't forget the 'of'!
Saying 'I'll take care the baby' is a very common mistake. Always include 'of'.
The 'Take Care' Goodbye
When someone says 'Take care!' to you, you can reply with 'You too!'
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the sentence.
I have to ______ ______ ______ my little brother this afternoon.
We use 'take care of' for looking after people.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly for a work situation?
Your boss asks you to finish a report. What do you say?
The phrase is inseparable and uses the preposition 'of'.
Match the 'take care of' usage to the situation.
1. Paying a bill, 2. Watching a dog, 3. Solving a computer glitch.
The phrase covers money, living things, and technical problems.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'The kitchen is a mess!' B: 'Don't worry, I'll ______ ______ ______ it.'
B is offering to clean (handle the task).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
What can you 'Take Care Of'?
Living Things
- • Babies
- • Pets
- • Plants
- • Elderly
Tasks
- • Homework
- • Reports
- • Cleaning
- • Emails
Money
- • Bills
- • Checks
- • Expenses
- • Taxes
Problems
- • Glitches
- • Complaints
- • Mistakes
- • Issues
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI have to ______ ______ ______ my little brother this afternoon.
We use 'take care of' for looking after people.
Your boss asks you to finish a report. What do you say?
The phrase is inseparable and uses the preposition 'of'.
1. Paying a bill, 2. Watching a dog, 3. Solving a computer glitch.
The phrase covers money, living things, and technical problems.
A: 'The kitchen is a mess!' B: 'Don't worry, I'll ______ ______ ______ it.'
B is offering to clean (handle the task).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 'take care of' is the standard idiom. 'Care for' exists but means to like something or provide medical nursing.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or with your best friend.
The past tense is 'took care of'. Example: 'I took care of the dog yesterday.'
Yes! 'I'll take care of the problem' means you will solve it.
Yes, they are very similar. 'Look after' is slightly more common in the UK for people and pets.
Yes, it means you want someone to look after you or pay for you.
It means to do what needs to be done, usually in a professional or efficient way.
Yes, 'take care of the bill' means to pay it.
Yes, it's very common in business emails to show you are handling a request.
It's a friendly way to say goodbye, meaning 'stay safe and well'.
Related Phrases
Look after
synonymTo watch and protect.
Attend to
similarTo deal with or give attention to.
See to
similarTo make sure something is done.
Take care
builds onA way to say goodbye.
Care for
similarTo like or to provide nursing.
