Care About vs. Care For vs. Take Care Of

• 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.’