take after someone

Meaning

This expression means to resemble an older relative in appearance, behavior, character, or personality. It is almost exclusively used within families, comparing children to their parents, grandparents, or aunts/uncles. The tone is neutral and descriptive.

Examples

• Sarah really takes after her mother; they both have the exact same laugh.

  Sarah really takes after her mother; they both have the exact same laugh.

• He takes after his father in his love for classical music.

  He takes after his father in his love for classical music.

• I don't take after my parents at all—they are both quiet, but I'm very outgoing.

  I don't take after my parents at all—they are both quiet, but I'm very outgoing.

• Which side of the family do you think the baby takes after?

  Which side of the family do you think the baby takes after?

• My brother takes after our grandfather with his talent for woodworking.

  My brother takes after our grandfather with his talent for woodworking.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ She takes after of her mother.

  ✓ She takes after her mother.

  Do not use 'of' after 'take after'. The phrasal verb directly precedes the person being resembled.

• ✗ He looks after his father in personality.

  ✓ He takes after his father in personality.

  'Look after' means to care for someone. 'Take after' means to resemble someone.

Related Expressions

Practice

• You really ___ your mother with your artistic talent.

  💡 resemble an older relative

  Show answer

  take after

• Everyone says that Tommy ___ his dad.

  💡 third-person singular of take after

  Show answer

  takes after