This English lesson has 2 versions: 1) A video version and 2) A text version.
I recommend you watch and listen to the video to hear the correct pronunciation. Below the video is the same lesson in text format.
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“care” is both a verb and a noun.
Pronunciation: /keər/
The word “care” is very common in English. It has many different meanings and uses. It is also used in lots of different expressions.
care for someone
= to protect someone and provide them with what they need.
We often care for children, old people and ill people.
Examples:
Mark cares for his sick mother.
The nurse is caring for the patient.
care for someone (2)
=to have strong feelings for someone.
Example:
Mark: “I really care for you, Jane.”
This specific meaning of “care” describes feelings.
This meaning of “care” does NOT have a continuous form:
Mark: “I am really caring for you, Jane.”
Would you care for something?
= Would you like something?
This is a formal way of offering something to someone.
Examples:
Would you care for a cup of coffee?
Would you care for a glass of wine?
to care
If you care, it means that something is important to you.
It interests you. It concerns you. It worries you.
We often use “care” in a negative sentence to say that something does NOT interest or concern us.
Examples:
Sarah: “David says that he doesn’t like you.”
Mark: “I don’t care.”
Jane: “Let’s go to New York.”
Mark: “But it’s snowing!”
Jane: “I don’t care! I really want to go!”
Jane: “David thinks that I am stupid but I don’t care about his opinion.”
couldn’t care less
= to not care at all about something. (Very strong)
Example:
Brother: “I think that you should look for a job.”
Sister: “I couldn’t care less about what you think!”
take care of someone
= to protect someone and provide them with what they need.
= to look after someone.
= to be responsible for someone.
Examples:
Mark is taking care of the children today.
Don’t buy a dog. You won’t take care of it.
take care of something
= to manage something.
= to be responsible for something.
Examples:
David: What is your job here?
Jane: I take care of customer service.
take care
“take care” (without a preposition) means “be careful“ or “be safe”
Examples:
This is a dangerous part of town. Take care.
There is a lot of traffic. Take care when you cross the road.
We can also say “take care” when saying goodbye to someone:
Mark: “Goodbye Jane. Take care!”