| Phrasal verb | Main meaning |
|---|---|
take after [teɪk ˈɑːftə] | to resemble a family member in appearance or character |
Other meanings
- to resemble someone (in looks or behavior)
- to inherit features or traits from a relative
- to be like someone in personality or habits
Example Sentences Using the Phrasal Verb "take after"
- She takes after her mother in both looks and temperament.
- He takes after his grandfather — they're both musicians.
- I hope I don't take after my uncle's bad temper.
- Who does he take after?
- She really takes after her dad when it comes to cooking.
Features of Using "take after"
This phrasal verb is used to say that one person resembles another, usually a relative, in appearance, behaviour, or temperament. It is inseparable and requires an animate object: you say "take after someone" (not "take someone after" and you cannot put the object between the verb and particle). It is commonly used for inherited or family traits (looks, habits, personality). In questions and negatives the structure is the same as for other transitive verbs: "Who does she take after?" / "He doesn't take after his mother." It is rarely used about inanimate things.
Other phrasal verbs with the verb take
take off
to leave the ground and begin to fly
take away
remove something from a place or person
take up
to begin a new activity or hobby
take out
to remove something from a place
take over
to gain control of something, especially a business or responsibility
take in
to absorb or understand something
take back
to return something
take along
to bring someone or something with you
take down
to remove something from a higher position
take aside
to move someone away from others for a private conversation
take apart
disassemble into pieces
take through
to guide someone through a process or explain something step by step
take on
to accept or undertake a task or responsibility
take to
to begin to like someone or something
take over from
to assume control or responsibility from someone else
take out on
to direct your anger or frustration toward someone or something unfairly
take down a notch
to humble someone or reduce their arrogance
🔗 Learn more about the irregular verb take, including its forms and usage.