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B1 Verb (3rd person singular) / Noun (plural) #45 most common 13 min read

cares

Top 45

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips cares in 30 Seconds

Explanation cares in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'cares' is a simple word that helps you talk about feelings. It is the third-person form of 'care.' We use it when one person (he, she, or a name) feels love or interest for someone else. For example, 'She cares for her cat.' This means she loves her cat and gives it food and a home. We also use it to say something is important. 'He cares about his school.' This means school is important to him. At this level, you only need to know that 'cares' is for one person in the present time. You can use it to talk about your family, your pets, and your favorite things. It is a very kind word that shows you are a good person. Just remember to use it with 'he' or 'she.' If you talk about yourself, you say 'I care.' If you talk about a friend, you say 'My friend cares.' It is a basic building block for talking about emotions and what matters to you in your daily life.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'cares' in more ways. You know it is the third-person singular of the verb 'to care.' You can use it with prepositions like 'about' and 'for.' 'He cares about the environment' means he thinks the earth is important. 'She cares for her sick grandmother' means she is helping her grandmother feel better. You might also hear the phrase 'Who cares?' which people say when they think something is not important. Be careful, because 'Who cares?' can sometimes be a little bit mean! At this level, you are also learning that 'cares' can be a plural noun. It means 'worries.' For example, 'He has many cares.' This is a more formal way to say he has many problems or things to think about. You will see this in stories or songs. Understanding both the verb and the noun will help you understand more complex sentences and express yourself more clearly when talking about people's responsibilities and feelings.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'cares' as both a verb and a noun in various contexts. As a verb, you understand the difference between 'cares about' (interest/importance) and 'cares for' (affection/looking after). You can use these to describe social issues, personal relationships, and professional duties. For example, 'A good leader cares about the opinions of the team.' You also understand the noun form 'cares' as a synonym for 'worries' or 'burdens.' You might use it in a sentence like, 'After the exams were over, she felt free from all her cares.' This shows a higher level of vocabulary. You are also becoming aware of common idioms and phrases, such as 'for all I care' or 'take cares.' You can use 'cares' to discuss more abstract topics, like social responsibility or mental health. You should also be careful with subject-verb agreement, ensuring that 'cares' is only used with singular subjects in the present tense. This level is about refining your usage and making your English sound more natural and nuanced.

At the B2 level, you can use 'cares' to express complex ideas with precision. You understand the subtle connotations of the word in different registers. For instance, you know that using 'cares' as a noun ('the cares of the world') adds a literary or formal tone to your writing. You can use the verb 'cares' to discuss philosophical or ethical issues, such as 'Whether the state cares for its citizens is a measure of its success.' You are also familiar with more advanced structures, like 'It cares not' (though formal/archaic) or 'Nobody cares to admit.' You can distinguish between 'cares' and its synonyms like 'concerns,' 'worries,' or 'tends' based on the context. Your ability to use 'cares' in negative and interrogative forms is well-developed. You can use it to express indifference, deep concern, or professional responsibility with ease. At this level, 'cares' is not just a simple word for feelings; it is a tool for discussing the weight of human existence and the nature of our social and personal bonds.

At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated command of 'cares' and its various functions. You can use the noun 'cares' to evoke specific moods in your writing, perhaps in an essay about the stresses of modern life or a piece of creative fiction. You understand the historical and literary weight of the term, recognizing it in classical poetry and prose. As a verb, you use 'cares' with a high degree of accuracy, even in complex sentence structures. You can use it to discuss nuanced social dynamics, such as 'The way a society cares for its most vulnerable members reflects its core values.' You are also adept at using the word in idiomatic expressions and can interpret its meaning even when it is used sarcastically or ironically. You can compare and contrast 'cares' with other high-level vocabulary, explaining why 'tends to' might be better in one context while 'cares for' is better in another. Your usage is fluid, natural, and demonstrates a deep understanding of English idiom and style.

At the C2 level, you use 'cares' with the mastery of a native speaker. You are sensitive to the word's every nuance, from its most literal meanings to its most abstract and metaphorical applications. You can use 'cares' as a noun to discuss ontological burdens or the existential weight of responsibility in a philosophical treatise. As a verb, you can employ it to describe intricate emotional states or complex professional ethics. You are fully aware of the word's history and how its usage has evolved over time. You can use it in highly formal or archaic styles if necessary, or in the most contemporary slang. You understand how 'cares' functions within the broader system of English grammar and semantics, and you can use it to create subtle effects in your speech and writing. For you, 'cares' is a versatile instrument that can be used to express everything from the simplest affection to the most profound anxieties of the human condition. Your command of the word is total, allowing you to communicate with absolute clarity and sophistication.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

cares in 30 Seconds

The word 'cares' is a versatile term that functions as both a third-person singular verb and a plural noun, representing emotional investment and life's burdens.
As a verb, it indicates that a singular subject (he, she, it) feels concern, affection, or interest toward a person, object, or abstract cause.
As a noun, it refers to the collection of worries, anxieties, and responsibilities that weigh on an individual's mind, often used in more formal contexts.
Mastering 'cares' involves understanding subject-verb agreement for the verb form and recognizing the plural nature of the noun form in literary or formal speech.

The word cares is a versatile term in the English language that functions as both a verb and a noun, carrying significant emotional and practical weight. When used as a verb, specifically in the third-person singular present tense, it describes the action of an individual who feels concern, interest, or affection for someone or something. It is the outward expression of an internal state of value. For example, when we say a doctor cares for her patients, we are describing both her professional duty and her personal investment in their well-being. This word is the cornerstone of human empathy, representing the bridge between simple awareness and active involvement. It suggests that the subject is not indifferent; rather, they are moved to act or feel based on the status of the object of their attention. In a world often characterized by detachment, the act of caring is a powerful statement of connection.

Emotional Investment: This refers to the verb form where a person attaches their feelings to the success or safety of another entity.

As a noun, cares refers to the plural form of 'care,' specifically denoting the worries, anxieties, or responsibilities that weigh upon a person's mind. This usage is often found in more literary or formal contexts, such as describing a person who is 'burdened by the cares of the world.' In this sense, 'cares' are the various tasks and troubles that demand our attention and often cause us stress. It encompasses everything from financial obligations to the health of family members. While the verb form is often seen as positive and life-affirming, the noun form frequently carries a connotation of heaviness or exhaustion. Understanding the distinction between these two forms is crucial for mastering the nuances of English expression, as they allow a speaker to describe both the act of giving support and the state of needing it.

A mother is someone who cares deeply for her children even when they are grown.

Responsibility: The noun form 'cares' often implies the various duties one must manage daily.

He left his cares behind as he walked into the forest.

She cares about the environment more than anyone I know.

The old man's face was lined with the cares of many decades.

No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.

Anxiety: When 'cares' is a noun, it frequently serves as a synonym for worries or stressors.

In everyday conversation, the verb 'cares' is far more common. You will hear it in phrases like 'Who cares?' which, though often used dismissively, highlights the word's connection to importance. If someone 'cares,' it means the subject matters to them. Conversely, the noun 'cares' is more likely to be found in poetry, classical literature, or formal speeches. It evokes a sense of maturity and the inevitable difficulties that come with adulthood. Whether you are discussing a person who 'cares' for a pet or the 'cares' that keep a leader awake at night, you are dealing with a word that touches the very core of the human experience: our capacity to value things and the weight that value places upon us.

Using cares correctly requires a clear understanding of its grammatical role. As a verb, it is the third-person singular form of 'to care.' This means it must always follow a singular subject such as 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' or a specific name like 'John.' For example, 'He cares about his grades.' It is often followed by prepositions like 'about' (to show interest) or 'for' (to show affection or provide service). Using the wrong preposition can change the meaning entirely. 'She cares about him' suggests she has feelings for him, while 'She cares for him' might mean she is his nurse or caregiver. This distinction is vital for clear communication in both casual and professional settings.

Subject-Verb Agreement: Always pair 'cares' with a singular subject in the present tense. 'They cares' is grammatically incorrect; it should be 'They care.'

When using 'cares' as a noun, it is almost always plural. It refers to a collection of worries or duties. You might say, 'The cares of parenthood are many.' Here, 'cares' acts as the subject of the sentence. It is important to note that as a noun, 'cares' is somewhat formal. In casual speech, people are more likely to use words like 'worries' or 'problems.' However, using 'cares' can add a touch of elegance or gravity to your writing. It suggests a certain depth of experience. For instance, 'The traveler forgot all his cares as he gazed at the ocean' creates a more vivid, poetic image than simply saying he forgot his problems.

The government cares little for the plight of the poor in this region.

Prepositional Use: 'Cares about' usually refers to importance, while 'cares for' often refers to liking or looking after someone.

Despite his wealth, he is a man who cares for the simple things in life.

Free from the cares of the office, she finally felt at peace.

It cares not for our opinions; nature follows its own course.

She cares to make a good impression on her first day.

Negative Constructions: 'Nobody cares' or 'He hardly cares' are common ways to express indifference or lack of concern.

In summary, whether you are using 'cares' to describe a person's emotional state or the burdens they carry, precision is key. Pay close attention to the subject of your sentence to ensure the verb form is correct, and consider the tone of your message when deciding to use the noun form. By mastering these patterns, you can communicate complex feelings and situations with clarity and sophistication, making your English sound more natural and expressive.

The word cares is ubiquitous, appearing in various domains of life from the most intimate personal conversations to high-level political discourse. In the realm of healthcare and social work, you will frequently hear about how a provider 'cares' for their clients. This isn't just about medical treatment; it's about the holistic approach to human welfare. In these contexts, 'cares' signifies a professional standard of empathy and attention. You might hear a supervisor say, 'He really cares about the outcomes for these families,' highlighting the emotional labor involved in the job. This usage reinforces the idea that caring is an active, ongoing process that defines certain professions.

Healthcare Context: In hospitals and clinics, 'cares' is used to describe the attention given to patient needs beyond just medicine.

In the world of social media and modern pop culture, the verb 'cares' often appears in the context of social justice and environmental activism. Phrases like 'Who cares about the climate?' or 'She cares about equality' are common. Here, the word is used to signal a person's values and their alignment with specific causes. It becomes a marker of identity. On the other hand, the noun 'cares' is frequently found in music and literature. Think of song lyrics that talk about 'throwing your cares away' or 'leaving your cares behind.' In these instances, 'cares' represents the stress of daily life that we all seek to escape. It is a poetic way of describing the universal human desire for peace and freedom from responsibility.

The song encourages listeners to cast aside their cares and dance.

Pop Culture: Movies and songs often use 'cares' to describe the burdens characters must overcome to find happiness.

In the movie, the protagonist finally finds someone who cares for him unconditionally.

The news anchor noted that the public cares deeply about the new tax laws.

'Cares' is a common word in religious texts, referring to the worries God helps people manage.

A true friend cares enough to tell you the hard truths.

Political Discourse: Politicians use the verb 'cares' to build a connection with voters and demonstrate empathy.

Finally, in the workplace, 'cares' is often linked to quality and attention to detail. A manager might say, 'She cares about the quality of her work,' which is a high compliment. It implies that the employee is not just doing the job for a paycheck but has a personal standard of excellence. Whether you are in a boardroom, a hospital, or a concert hall, 'cares' is a word that signals importance, responsibility, and the human element in every endeavor. It is a word that reminds us that our actions and our worries are what make us human.

One of the most frequent errors learners make with cares involves subject-verb agreement. Because 'cares' ends in 's,' some students mistakenly think it is a plural verb. In English, however, the 's' ending on a verb typically indicates the third-person singular present tense. Therefore, you must say 'He cares' or 'The teacher cares,' but never 'They cares' or 'We cares.' This is a fundamental rule that, if broken, immediately signals a lack of fluency. Practicing with singular subjects like 'it,' 'she,' and 'everyone' can help solidify this habit. Remember: singular subject, 's' on the verb; plural subject, no 's' on the verb.

Agreement Error: Incorrect: 'The students cares about their grades.' Correct: 'The students care about their grades.'

Another common pitfall is the confusion between 'cares about' and 'cares for.' While they are related, they are not always interchangeable. 'Cares about' is used when something is important to you or when you have an interest in it. For example, 'He cares about politics.' 'Cares for' can mean the same thing, but it often implies a deeper affection (like 'loving' someone) or the physical act of looking after someone (like a nurse or a parent). If you say 'He cares for his sick aunt,' it means he is physically helping her. If you say 'He cares about his sick aunt,' it means he is worried about her health. Using the wrong one can lead to subtle misunderstandings about the nature of the relationship or the action being described.

Mistake: 'She cares for the environment.' (While not wrong, 'cares about' is more common for causes.)

Noun vs. Verb: Don't confuse the plural noun 'cares' (worries) with the verb 'cares' (feels concern).

Incorrect: 'He has many care.' Correct: 'He has many cares' or 'He has much care.'

Incorrect: 'Who care?' Correct: 'Who cares?' (The subject 'who' is treated as singular.)

Incorrect: 'She cares to me.' Correct: 'She cares for me' or 'She cares about me.'

Incorrect: 'The cares of the world is heavy.' Correct: 'The cares of the world are heavy.'

Overuse: Avoid using 'cares' in every sentence about feelings; try 'values,' 'prioritizes,' or 'worries' for variety.

Lastly, be careful with the phrase 'I don't care.' While grammatically correct, it can sound very blunt or even rude depending on the tone. In professional settings, it is often better to say 'It doesn't matter to me' or 'I have no preference.' Understanding the social weight of 'cares' is just as important as understanding its grammar. By avoiding these common mistakes, you will be able to use 'cares' with the precision and sensitivity that the word demands, ensuring your message is both accurate and well-received.

While cares is a powerful and common word, English offers many alternatives that can provide more specific meaning or a different tone. If you are using 'cares' as a verb to mean 'feels concern,' you might consider 'worries,' 'fretts,' or 'is concerned.' 'Worries' is more focused on anxiety, while 'is concerned' is more formal and often used in professional contexts. For example, 'The manager is concerned about the deadline' sounds more professional than 'The manager cares about the deadline.' If you mean 'cares' in the sense of 'looking after,' synonyms include 'tends,' 'nurtures,' 'ministers to,' or 'guards.' 'Nurtures' implies a growth-oriented care, often used for children or plants, while 'tends' is common for gardens or animals.

Worries vs. Cares: 'Worries' is more negative and anxiety-based; 'cares' can be positive (interest) or negative (burden).

When 'cares' is used as a noun to mean 'burdens' or 'worries,' you can use 'anxieties,' 'responsibilities,' 'troubles,' or 'concerns.' 'Anxieties' specifically highlights the mental stress, while 'responsibilities' focuses on the duties themselves. 'Troubles' is a more general, everyday word. For instance, 'She shared her troubles with her friend' is more common in casual speech than 'She shared her cares.' In literary contexts, you might see 'woes' or 'tribulations,' which carry much more emotional weight and suggest significant suffering. Choosing the right alternative depends entirely on the context and the level of formality you wish to achieve.

Instead of 'He cares for the garden,' you could say 'He tends the garden.'

Nurtures vs. Cares: 'Nurtures' implies helping something grow; 'cares' is a broader term for providing what is needed.

She values her privacy above all else. (A strong alternative to 'cares about').

The burdens of leadership can be overwhelming. (A more common noun alternative).

He attends to his duties with great diligence. (Formal alternative to 'cares for').

The concerns raised by the committee were valid. (Professional noun alternative).

Indifferent vs. Uncaring: 'Indifferent' means having no interest; 'uncaring' means lacking empathy or compassion.

In conclusion, while 'cares' is a versatile and essential word, exploring its synonyms can greatly enrich your vocabulary. Whether you need a more formal term for a business report or a more evocative word for a poem, understanding the subtle differences between 'cares,' 'worries,' 'tends,' and 'responsibilities' will allow you to express yourself with greater nuance and impact. By matching the word to the specific emotion or situation, you demonstrate a higher level of mastery over the English language.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"The administration cares for the sanctity of the democratic process."

Neutral

"She cares about her career advancement."

Informal

"He really cares for her, you know?"

Child friendly

"The mommy bird cares for her babies in the nest."

Slang

"Zero cares given."

Fun Fact

Despite sounding similar, 'care' is not etymologically related to the Latin 'cura' (from which we get 'cure' and 'curator'). They are 'false cognates' that happened to end up with similar meanings and sounds through different linguistic paths.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /keəz/

US /kerz/

The word is a single syllable, so the stress is on the entire word.

Rhymes With

bears chairs stairs pairs fares dares wares flares

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 's' as an 's' instead of a 'z'.
Over-enunciating the 'r' in British English.
Confusing the vowel sound with 'cars' /kɑːz/.
Adding an extra syllable (e.g., 'care-ez').
Muffling the 'k' sound at the beginning.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize, but the noun form can be tricky in literature.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct subject-verb agreement and preposition choice.

Speaking 2/5

Common in idioms and daily phrases.

Listening 2/5

Easy to hear, though the 's' can be subtle.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

care love worry about for

Learn Next

concerned responsible nurture anxiety empathy

Advanced

solicitude stewardship tribulations vicissitudes

Grammar to Know

Third-Person Singular -s

He cares (not 'He care').

Prepositional Verbs

Care about (interest) vs. Care for (service/affection).

Plural Nouns as Subjects

The cares of life are (not 'is') many.

Indefinite Pronouns

Everyone cares (singular verb).

Infinitive after 'Care'

She cares to join us (formal).

Examples by Level

She cares for her little brother.

Elle s'occupe de son petit frère.

Third-person singular verb 'cares' with subject 'She'.

He cares about his dog.

Il tient à son chien.

Verb 'cares' followed by preposition 'about'.

My mom cares for the flowers.

Ma maman s'occupe des fleurs.

Subject 'My mom' is singular, so we use 'cares'.

The teacher cares about the students.

Le professeur se soucie des élèves.

Present tense verb showing interest.

She cares if it rains.

Cela lui importe s'il pleut.

Using 'cares' to show importance.

He cares for his old car.

Il prend soin de sa vieille voiture.

'Cares for' means taking care of something.

Who cares about the game?

Qui se soucie du match ?

'Who' is treated as a singular subject.

She cares deeply for her friends.

Elle tient beaucoup à ses amis.

Adverb 'deeply' modifies the verb 'cares'.

He has many cares in his life.

Il a beaucoup de soucis dans sa vie.

Noun 'cares' used as a plural for 'worries'.

She cares for the sick people in the hospital.

Elle soigne les malades à l'hôpital.

'Cares for' in a professional context.

Nobody cares what he says.

Tout le monde se fiche de ce qu'il dit.

'Nobody' is a singular subject.

The father cares for his children every day.

Le père s'occupe de ses enfants tous les jours.

Regular action in the present tense.

She cares about the price of food.

Elle se soucie du prix de la nourriture.

'Cares about' showing concern for a topic.

He cares to do a good job.

Il a à cœur de faire du bon travail.

'Cares to' followed by an infinitive.

The cat cares for its kittens.

La chatte s'occupe de ses chatons.

Animal subject using the verb 'cares'.

She left her cares at home and went on vacation.

Elle a laissé ses soucis à la maison et est partie en vacances.

Noun 'cares' representing burdens.

A true professional cares about the details.

Un vrai professionnel se soucie des détails.

Using 'cares' to describe a quality.

She cares for her elderly parents with great patience.

Elle s'occupe de ses parents âgés avec beaucoup de patience.

Showing emotional and physical support.

He cares little for fame or fortune.

Il se soucie peu de la gloire ou de la fortune.

Using 'little' to show lack of interest.

The cares of the world seemed to vanish in the mountains.

Les soucis du monde semblaient s'évanouir dans les montagnes.

Noun 'cares' in a more literary context.

She cares to make the world a better place.

Elle a à cœur de rendre le monde meilleur.

'Cares to' expressing a strong desire or goal.

Does he think anyone cares about his opinion?

Pense-t-il que quelqu'un se soucie de son opinion ?

Interrogative form with 'does'.

The government cares for the welfare of its citizens.

Le gouvernement veille au bien-être de ses citoyens.

Collective noun 'government' treated as singular.

He cares for her more than he can say.

Il tient à elle plus qu'il ne peut le dire.

'Cares for' expressing deep affection.

The artist cares deeply about the integrity of his work.

L'artiste se soucie profondément de l'intégrité de son œuvre.

Using 'cares' to discuss professional ethics.

Burdened by the cares of office, the president looked tired.

Accablé par les soucis de sa fonction, le président semblait fatigué.

Noun 'cares' used in a formal, political context.

She cares not for the superficial trends of society.

Elle ne se soucie pas des tendances superficielles de la société.

Formal negative construction 'cares not'.

It is clear that he cares for the environment through his actions.

Il est clair qu'il se soucie de l'environnement par ses actions.

Using 'cares' to show evidence of values.

The poem explores the many cares that haunt the human mind.

Le poème explore les nombreux soucis qui hantent l'esprit humain.

Noun 'cares' in a literary analysis context.

She cares to ensure that every detail is perfect.

Elle veille à ce que chaque détail soit parfait.

'Cares to' showing meticulousness.

He cares for his reputation above all else.

Il tient à sa réputation par-dessus tout.

'Cares for' applied to an abstract noun.

The way he cares for his team inspires loyalty.

La façon dont il s'occupe de son équipe inspire la loyauté.

Gerund phrase as the subject.

The philosopher argued that the soul is free from earthly cares.

Le philosophe a soutenu que l'âme est exempte des soucis terrestres.

Noun 'cares' in a philosophical/abstract sense.

She cares for the aesthetic quality of the building as much as its function.

Elle se soucie autant de la qualité esthétique du bâtiment que de sa fonction.

Using 'cares' to balance two priorities.

He cares little for the trivialities of modern celebrity culture.

Il se soucie peu des futilités de la culture moderne des célébrités.

Sophisticated use of 'little' and 'trivialities'.

The novel depicts a man consumed by the cares of his failing business.

Le roman dépeint un homme consumé par les soucis de son entreprise en faillite.

Noun 'cares' showing psychological weight.

She cares to maintain a standard of excellence in all her endeavors.

Elle a à cœur de maintenir un niveau d'excellence dans toutes ses entreprises.

Formal expression of commitment.

It is not that he cares not, but that he expresses it differently.

Ce n'est pas qu'il ne s'en soucie pas, mais qu'il l'exprime différemment.

Complex negative structure 'cares not'.

The community cares for its heritage with a fierce pride.

La communauté veille sur son patrimoine avec une fierté farouche.

Using 'cares for' to describe cultural preservation.

He has cast off the cares of his youth and embraced a simpler life.

Il s'est débarrassé des soucis de sa jeunesse et a adopté une vie plus simple.

Idiomatic use of 'cast off' with 'cares'.

The protagonist's journey is a slow shedding of worldly cares.

Le voyage du protagoniste est un lent dépouillement des soucis du monde.

Noun 'cares' used in a highly metaphorical sense.

She cares for the nuances of language with the precision of a poet.

Elle se soucie des nuances du langage avec la précision d'un poète.

Using 'cares for' to describe intellectual rigor.

The statesman's face was a map of the cares he had borne for his nation.

Le visage de l'homme d'État était une carte des soucis qu'il avait portés pour sa nation.

Metaphorical use of 'cares' as a physical burden.

He cares not a whit for the opinions of those he does not respect.

Il ne se soucie pas d'un iota des opinions de ceux qu'il ne respecte pas.

Idiomatic and formal negative construction.

The institution cares for the preservation of truth in an age of misinformation.

L'institution veille à la préservation de la vérité à une époque de désinformation.

Using 'cares for' for abstract, societal values.

She cares to articulate the unspoken anxieties of her generation.

Elle a à cœur d'articuler les angoisses inexprimées de sa génération.

High-level use of 'cares to' for artistic mission.

His life was a testament to how much one man cares for his fellow beings.

Sa vie était un témoignage de tout ce qu'un homme peut faire pour ses semblables.

Using 'cares for' to summarize a life's work.

The cares that once seemed insurmountable now appeared trivial in retrospect.

Les soucis qui semblaient autrefois insurmontables paraissaient maintenant insignifiants avec le recul.

Noun 'cares' in a reflective, complex sentence.

Common Collocations

deeply cares

hardly cares

cares for

cares about

worldly cares

daily cares

nobody cares

who cares

cares to

freedom from cares

Common Phrases

Who cares?

— A rhetorical question used to say that something is not important or that you don't mind.

Who cares if we're late? It's just a party.

Nobody cares.

— A blunt statement used to indicate that no one is interested in a particular topic.

Stop complaining; nobody cares about your minor problems.

As if he cares.

— Used to suggest that someone is indifferent or doesn't actually care, often sarcastically.

He said he'd help, but as if he cares about our project.

She cares for him.

— Can mean she loves him or she is physically looking after him.

It's obvious she cares for him by the way she looks at him.

The cares of the world.

— A poetic way to describe all the worries and responsibilities people have.

He felt the cares of the world resting on his shoulders.

He cares not.

— A formal or old-fashioned way to say he doesn't care.

The king cares not for the complaints of the peasants.

Cast your cares.

— To let go of your worries, often used in a religious or spiritual context.

The priest told them to cast their cares upon the Lord.

Free from cares.

— Having no worries or responsibilities at the moment.

Children are often free from the cares that plague adults.

She cares to admit.

— Used to say someone is willing to acknowledge something.

He is more talented than she cares to admit.

Little cares.

— Small worries or the act of caring only a small amount.

She has many little cares that keep her busy all day.

Often Confused With

cares vs cars

Similar sound, but 'cars' refers to vehicles.

cares vs caress

Similar spelling, but 'caress' means to touch gently.

cares vs case

Sometimes confused by beginners due to the 'ca' start.

Idioms & Expressions

"For all I care"

— Used to say that you do not care at all about what happens.

He can leave right now for all I care.

informal

"Couldn't care less"

— To have absolutely no interest or concern.

She couldn't care less about the celebrity gossip.

informal

"Take care of"

— To look after someone or something, or to deal with a task.

She cares for her garden (similar to 'takes care of').

neutral

"Care killed the cat"

— An old proverb suggesting that worry is harmful to one's health.

Don't worry so much about the future; remember, care killed the cat.

literary

"Devil-may-care"

— A cheerful and reckless lack of concern.

He has a devil-may-care attitude toward his finances.

neutral

"In the care of"

— Being looked after by someone.

The children were left in the care of their grandmother.

formal

"Customer care"

— The work of looking after customers and ensuring they are satisfied.

The company is known for its excellent customer care.

business

"Health care"

— The organized provision of medical care to individuals or a community.

The government is debating the new health care bill.

formal

"With a care"

— Doing something very carefully (less common than 'with care').

He placed the vase on the table with a care that was unusual for him.

literary

"Care to join?"

— A polite way to ask if someone wants to participate.

We're going for coffee; would you care to join us?

neutral

Easily Confused

cares vs concerns

Both mean interest or worry.

'Concerns' is more formal and can be a noun or verb; 'cares' is more emotional.

The report concerns the budget.

cares vs worries

Both relate to anxiety.

'Worries' is almost always negative; 'cares' can be positive (affection).

He worries about the test.

cares vs tends

Both mean looking after something.

'Tends' is more about physical maintenance; 'cares' is more about emotional connection.

She tends the garden.

cares vs minds

Both used in phrases about importance.

'Minds' is often used in questions like 'Do you mind?'; 'cares' is more about value.

He doesn't mind the noise.

cares vs loves

Both show affection.

'Loves' is much stronger; 'cares for' is a milder form of affection or professional duty.

She loves her husband.

Sentence Patterns

He/She cares for [Person/Pet].

She cares for her dog.

He/She cares about [Thing/Topic].

He cares about his homework.

Subject cares to [Verb].

She cares to do her best.

The cares of [Noun] are [Adjective].

The cares of the job are many.

Hardly anyone cares about [Noun].

Hardly anyone cares about the old rules.

Subject cares not for [Noun].

He cares not for wealth.

Free from the cares of [Noun].

Free from the cares of the city.

A shedding of [Adjective] cares.

A shedding of worldly cares.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written English.

Common Mistakes

They cares about the project. → They care about the project.
The subject 'They' is plural, so the verb should not have an 's'.
He has many care. → He has many cares.
When referring to multiple worries, 'care' must be plural: 'cares'.
She cares for the environment. → She cares about the environment.
While 'for' is possible, 'about' is the standard preposition for causes and interests.
The cares of the world is heavy. → The cares of the world are heavy.
The subject 'cares' is plural, so it requires the plural verb 'are'.
Who care what they think? → Who cares what they think?
The pronoun 'who' is treated as a singular subject in this context.

Tips

Subject-Verb Agreement

Always remember that 'cares' is for singular subjects like 'he', 'she', 'it', or 'everyone'.

Noun Usage

Use 'cares' as a noun when you want to sound more literary or formal about someone's worries.

Empathy

Using 'cares' in conversation is a great way to show you are paying attention to someone's feelings.

The 'Z' Sound

Make sure to vibrate your vocal cords at the end of the word to get that 'z' sound right.

Variety

Don't over-use 'cares'. Try synonyms like 'concerns' or 'values' to keep your writing interesting.

Prepositions

Pay attention to 'about' vs 'for'. They change the meaning of the verb significantly.

Who Cares?

Use this phrase sparingly; it's very common but can be seen as negative.

Poetic Weight

Look for 'cares' in older books; it often refers to the heavy side of life.

Customer Care

In business, 'care' is often a formal term for service and support.

Song Lyrics

Listen for 'cares' in songs; it's a very popular word for expressing emotion.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Cares' as 'Concern And Responsibility Every Second'. This helps you remember both the verb (concern) and the noun (responsibility).

Visual Association

Imagine a person holding a heavy backpack labeled 'CARES' while simultaneously reaching out to hug a friend. The backpack is the noun (burdens), and the hug is the verb (concern).

Word Web

Love Worry Duty Nurse Burden Attention Empathy Stress

Challenge

Try to write a paragraph using 'cares' three times: once as a verb for a person, once as a verb for a cause, and once as a plural noun.

Word Origin

The word 'cares' comes from the Old English 'caru' or 'cearu', which meant sorrow, anxiety, or grief. It is of Germanic origin and is related to the Old High German 'chara', meaning a lament or mourning. Over time, the meaning expanded from purely negative sorrow to include the idea of taking responsibility for something or someone.

Original meaning: Sorrow, anxiety, or grief.

Germanic

Cultural Context

Be careful using 'I don't care' as it can be perceived as dismissive or aggressive in many social situations.

In the United States and United Kingdom, 'health care' is a major political topic, making the word 'cares' frequent in news cycles.

The 'Care Bears' franchise for children. The song 'Mad World' mentions 'no tomorrow, no cares'. The biblical verse 'Cast all your cares upon Him'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family and Relationships

Cares for her kids
Cares about his partner
Deeply cares
Shows he cares

Professional/Work

Cares about quality
Cares for the clients
Professional cares
Cares to succeed

Social/Political Issues

Cares about the environment
Cares for the poor
Public cares
Who cares about politics?

Mental Health/Stress

Burdened by cares
Free from cares
Daily cares
Sharing your cares

Hobbies and Interests

Cares for his garden
Cares about the score
Hardly cares for movies
Cares to learn

Conversation Starters

"Do you think our society cares enough about the elderly?"

"What is one cause that you think everyone cares about deep down?"

"How do you usually handle the daily cares of your life?"

"Is there a person in your life who really cares for you unconditionally?"

"When someone says 'Who cares?', does it bother you or do you agree?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time when you felt completely free from all your cares. Where were you?

Describe someone you know who cares for others more than themselves. What motivates them?

List three things you used to care about but no longer do. Why did your perspective change?

How does the way a person cares for their belongings reflect their personality?

Reflect on the 'cares of the world' that currently weigh on your mind. How can you manage them?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It depends! As a verb, it is the third-person singular (e.g., 'He cares'). As a noun, it is the plural form of 'care' (e.g., 'many cares').

'Cares about' usually means something is important to you. 'Cares for' can mean you like someone or you are looking after them physically.

No, that is grammatically incorrect. You should say 'They care' because 'they' is a plural subject.

It can be. It depends on your tone and who you are talking to. In a formal setting, it is usually considered impolite.

It is a poetic way to describe all the worries, anxieties, and responsibilities that people have in their lives.

The 's' is pronounced like a 'z' sound: /keəz/.

Yes, you can say 'The dog cares for its puppies' or 'She cares for her horse'.

Common synonyms include 'worries,' 'concerns,' 'burdens,' or 'responsibilities'.

Yes, often in terms like 'customer care' or when saying a company 'cares about its employees'.

As a verb, the opposite is 'ignores' or 'neglects'. As a noun, the opposite could be 'joys' or 'peace'.