Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding the Phrasal Verb Take Care Of

📖 Definition

To 'take care of' means to look after, protect, or deal with someone or something, ensuring their well-being or proper handling.

Examples in context

The nurse took care of her patients with utmost dedication and kindness.
My neighbor always takes care of my cat when I'm on vacation.
Make sure you take care of the equipment to prevent any damage.

📖 Definition

To 'take care of' means to look after, protect, or deal with someone or something, ensuring their well-being or proper handling.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Cannot split; the phrase must be used together.

Neutral

Used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

'Take care of' requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	take care of	I take care of my younger siblings every weekend.
Past Simple	took care of	Last night, she took care of all the arrangements.
Present Continuous	taking care of	They are taking care of the guests at the party.
Present Perfect	have taken care of	We have taken care of planting the garden this spring.

💡 When to Use

Caring for people

Use when speaking about providing help, protection, or support to someone in need.

Example: "She takes care of her elderly parents at home."

Managing tasks

Appropriate when referring to completing or handling responsibilities or work-related duties.

Example: "He took care of the paperwork yesterday."

Looking after belongings

Use this phrase when ensuring the safety or maintenance of objects or assets.

Example: "Please take care of my plants while I am away."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect tense

❌ Wrong: I take care of them yesterday.

✅ Correct: I took care of them yesterday.

💡 Tip: Use past tense 'took' for past actions.

Missing object

❌ Wrong: She takes care regularly.

✅ Correct: She takes care of her dog regularly.

💡 Tip: Always include what or whom you are caring for.

Inappropriate register

❌ Wrong: The CEO will take care of the project.

✅ Correct: The manager will handle the project.

💡 Tip: Use 'handle' for a more formal tone in business.

Practice

TAKE CARE OF - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

The nurse took care of her patients with utmost dedication and kindness.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

My neighbor always takes care of my cat when I'm on vacation.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

Make sure you take care of the equipment to prevent any damage.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

care for look after

Antonyms

neglect

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Please ___ the new plants to ensure they grow strong."

care on

take care of

take off

look after of

"When you take care of what sustains you, nature reciprocates with abundance and balance, mirroring our actions in the grand design of life."

In Context

Florence Nightingale, known as the 'Lady with the Lamp,' was pivotal in transforming healthcare. During the Crimean War, Nightingale was assigned to a hospital in Turkey to take care of wounded soldiers. She observed filthy conditions contributing to high mortality rates. Determined to take care of the soldiers, she implemented hygiene practices and reorganized the hospital wards, reducing the death rate significantly. Nightingale took care of the soldiers' morale by writing letters and listening to their concerns, understanding that emotional well-being was as crucial as physical care. Her contributions were profound, paving the way for modern nursing. She established the Nightingale School of Nursing, ensuring future generations were equipped to take care of patients with her principles. Florence Nightingale's legacy lives on today as an icon of compassion and skill. Her approach to healthcare shifted perceptions globally, showing that taking care of patients extended beyond medicine to include empathy and understanding. Through adversity, she demonstrated that meticulous care and genuine concern could transform an entire system, leaving an indelible mark on the world.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Take Care Of

What is the origin of take care of?

The phrase 'take care of' originates from the combination of 'take,' meaning to grasp or hold, and 'care of,' implying responsibility. Its use dates back to the 14th century and has evolved to signify responsibility and attention toward someone or something.

Can take care of be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Take care of' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it suitable for professional settings as well as casual conversation when referring to responsibility, management, or assistance.

What is the difference between take care of and care for?

While 'take care of' emphasizes action and responsibility in handling someone or something, 'care for' often implies emotional attachment or affection. Both involve attention and management, but 'care for' adds a personal touch of concern or love.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

TAKE CARE OF - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Take Care Of

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega