English Grammar - Usage

Care

Care means 'be concerned about or interested in something'.

• I don't care what happens.
  
• ‘You have put on a lot of weight.’ ‘I don't care.’
  

Before an object, we use care about. But note that about is usually dropped before a question word or a conjunction.

• She never cared about her appearance.
  
• I don't care about your opinion.
  
• I don't care how much it costs. (NOT I don't care about how much it costs.)
  
• I don't care whether it rains or not. (NOT I don't care about whether it ...)
  

Couldn't care less

I couldn't care less means I don't care at all.

• ‘She is really upset with you.’ ‘I couldn't care less.’
  

Care for

Care for means have a liking for.

• I really care for you, dear. (= I am really font of you, dear.)
  
• Would you care for a cup of coffee? (= Would you like a cup of coffee?)
  

Care to

Care to can mean be willing to.

• Would you care to go for a walk?

Take care of

Take care of means look after.

• Nurses take care of sick people in hospital.

Take care means be on the watch.

• Take care when you are crossing the road.

Take care is also used as a formula when saying goodbye.

• ‘Bye Ann.’ ‘By Peter. Take care.’

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