take after
B1Informal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
To resemble a parent or older family member in appearance, character, or behavior.
To resemble someone in general, not necessarily a family member, or to follow someone's example.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used for familial resemblance. Implies a positive or neutral similarity, often in personality or habits rather than just looks. Can be used humorously for negative traits.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Slightly more common in British English in everyday conversation.
Connotations
Same in both varieties.
Frequency
Common in both, with a slight edge in frequency in UK spoken English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + take after + [Object (person)][Subject] + take after + [Object] + in + [respect]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The apple doesn't fall far from the tree (similar concept)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in informal talk about leadership styles (e.g., 'She takes after her mentor in her management approach').
Academic
Very rare, except in sociological or psychological texts about heredity.
Everyday
Very common in family and personal conversations.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He really takes after his dad with his love of cricket.
- In her stubbornness, she takes after her grandmother.
American English
- She takes after her mom's side of the family in looks.
- You take after your father with your sense of humor.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I take after my mother. We have the same eyes.
- Does your son take after you?
- Everyone says I take after my father in personality.
- She doesn't take after either parent; she's unique.
- In his academic brilliance, he clearly takes after his professor grandfather.
- The child takes after her mother in looks but her father in temperament.
- His meticulous attention to detail takes after his former boss, whom he greatly admired.
- While she takes after her mother physically, her worldview is entirely her own.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a child literally 'taking' (receiving) features 'after' (from someone who came before) a parent.
Conceptual Metaphor
SIMILARITY IS PROXIMITY / HERITAGE (traits are objects passed down through family lines).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation from constructions like 'идти после'. The phrase is idiomatic.
- Do not confuse with 'take after' meaning 'to pursue' (archaic).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'take after' for objects (e.g., 'This car takes after that model' – incorrect).
- Using the wrong preposition (e.g., 'take from', 'take of').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'take after' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it's less common. It's used to indicate you follow someone's example or resemble them in some notable way (e.g., 'He takes after his first coach in his training methods').
No, it is primarily an informal, conversational phrase. In formal contexts, use 'resemble', 'emulate', or 'inherit traits from'.
You can say 'does not take after' or 'take after no one'. For example, 'He doesn't take after his noisy brothers; he's very quiet.'
No, it is only used for people (or occasionally animals in a figurative sense).