take after

look or behave like an older member of your family

B2

What does "take after sb" mean?

To take after a family member means to resemble them — either in the way you look, the way you behave, or both. The resemblance is understood as inherited or natural, not just coincidental. For example, if someone has their grandmother's sense of humour or their father's dark eyes, you'd say they take after that person. It's typically used to describe traits passed down through generations, making it more specific than simply saying two people look alike. Speakers often add a follow-up detail to explain what exactly is shared, such as 'she takes after her mum — same laugh, same stubbornness'.

Examples

How to use it

subject + take after + family member

The core pattern: the person who resembles someone is the subject, and the family member they resemble comes directly after 'after'.

Everyone says he takes after his grandfather — the same calm manner and quiet humour.

subject + take after + family member + in + trait

Use 'in' to specify whether the resemblance is in looks, personality, temperament, etc.

She really takes after her aunt in personality — both of them are incredibly driven.

subject + take after + pronoun (her/him/them)

Pronouns can replace the family member's name, but make sure the context is clear since subject and object are often both third-person.

My sister has always taken after her, right down to the way she laughs.

subject + take after + family member + follow-up clause

A follow-up clause specifying the shared trait is very natural and common in everyday speech.

The baby really takes after his dad — he's already got the same stubborn look.

Common Collocations

motherfathergrandmothergrandfatherdadmum

Common Mistakes

Trying to separate the phrasal verb

'Take after' is inseparable — the family member must always follow directly after 'after'. Placing anything between 'take' and 'after' is incorrect.

✗ She takes her mother after in every way.
✓ She takes after her mother in every way.
Using the continuous form

'Take after' describes a state (an ongoing resemblance), not an action in progress, so continuous forms sound unnatural. Use the simple present instead.

✗ She is taking after her dad more and more.
✓ She takes after her dad more and more.
Confusing 'take after' with 'look like'

'Take after' implies inherited resemblance — appearance, character, or both — and is used specifically for family members. 'Look like' refers only to visual appearance and can be used for anyone, not just relatives.

✗ She takes after her favourite actress — same cheekbones.
✓ She looks like her favourite actress — same cheekbones. / She takes after her mum — same cheekbones.

Usage

This phrasal verb is neutral and natural in both British and American English. It is stative in meaning, so avoid using it in continuous tenses — say 'She takes after her dad', not 'She is taking after her dad'.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can 'take after' be used in the passive — for example, 'Her mother is taken after by her'?

No, 'take after' is not used in the passive. The person who resembles someone is always the subject, and the family member they resemble is always the object. There's no natural way to reverse this structure.

Does 'take after' refer to looks, personality, or both?

It can refer to either or both. You might take after a parent in appearance, in character, or in a combination of the two. Speakers often add a detail to make clear what exactly is shared, such as 'she takes after her dad in temperament'.

Can I use 'take after' to talk about resemblance to someone who isn't a family member?

In this sense, no — 'take after' specifically implies inherited or family resemblance. The object should be a family member like a parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle. For resemblance to non-relatives, 'look like' or 'remind someone of' would be more natural.

Can I say 'She has always taken after her grandmother'? Is the present perfect natural here?

Yes, the present perfect works well here and is a natural choice. It suggests the resemblance has been noticeable over a period of time and continues into the present. The simple present ('she takes after her grandmother') is equally natural for stating the resemblance as a current fact.

Does 'take after' have a different meaning in British English?

There is a rare, dated British English use of 'take after' meaning to chase someone, but it is very uncommon today. As long as the object of 'after' is a family member, the meaning of inherited resemblance is always clear, regardless of whether you're using British or American English.

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