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A2At the Pet Shop

Looking After Pets with Going To

Phrasal Verb: look after |Grammar: Future with Going To

Objective

Students will learn how to use the phrasal verb 'look after' and the future 'going to' form to talk about caring for pets.

Article

At the pet shop, many animals need good care. When someone buys a pet, they have to look after it every day. For example, if you get a dog, you are going to look after it by giving food, water, and walks. If you choose a fish, you are going to look after it by cleaning the fish tank and feeding it regularly. The shop assistant is going to explain how to look after each pet before you take it home. Looking after a pet is a big responsibility. For example, children are going to look after their pets by playing with them and making sure they are healthy. In the future, you are going to look after your pet carefully and happily, so it grows well and stays safe.

Grammar Explanation

Meaning

'Look after' means to take care of someone or something, such as a pet, by giving attention and help.

Grammar Note

The future with 'going to' is used to talk about planned actions or intentions. We use 'I am going to', 'you are going to', etc., followed by the base verb.

Usage Tips

  • Use 'look after' for caring or taking responsibility.
  • Use 'going to' to talk about future plans or intentions.
  • Remember the subject + 'be' verb + 'going to' + base verb structure.

Examples

I am going to look after my new puppy every day.

Talking about future pet care plans.

She is going to look after the cat while her friend is away.

Future responsibility for a pet.

We are going to look after the aquarium this weekend.

Planned pet care in the future.

They are going to look after the rabbits during the holidays.

Future pet sitting plans.

He is going to look after the birds by cleaning their cage.

Future pet care action.

Dialogue

Context: A customer asks about caring for a hamster at the pet shop.

A:
Hello, I want to buy a hamster. Can you tell me how to look after it?
B:
Of course! You are going to need to feed it twice a day and clean its cage every week.
A:
Will I have to play with it too?
B:
Yes, you are going to look after it by giving it time to play and exercise.
A:
Great! I am going to look after my hamster carefully.
B:
That's good to hear! Your hamster will be very happy.

Vocabulary

Hamster
A small pet rodent with soft fur.
Example: The hamster is going to sleep in its cage.
Synonym: small pet
Cage
A box or frame to keep animals safely inside.
Example: You need to clean the bird’s cage regularly.
Synonym: enclosure
Feed
To give food to an animal or person.
Example: I am going to feed the fish this afternoon.
Synonym: give food
Water
A clear liquid that animals need to drink.
Example: Make sure the dog has fresh water every day.
Synonym: drink
Exercise
Physical activity to keep healthy and strong.
Example: Dogs need exercise to stay happy.
Synonym: physical activity
Play
To have fun or enjoy activity.
Example: Children like to play with their pets.
Synonym: have fun
Tank
A large container for keeping fish or water animals.
Example: The aquarium tank needs cleaning this week.
Synonym: container
Clean
To remove dirt or mess.
Example: You must clean the hamster’s cage every week.
Synonym: tidy
Responsible
Having the duty to take care of something or someone.
Example: She is responsible for looking after the pet rabbit.
Synonym: in charge
Pet
An animal kept for companionship or enjoyment.
Example: They are going to get a new pet next week.
Synonym: domestic animal

Tips

  • Use 'look after' only when talking about caring or responsibility.
  • Remember to use the correct form of 'be' with 'going to' (am, is, are).
  • Don't confuse 'look after' with 'look for' which means to search.

Summary

In this lesson, you learned to use the phrasal verb 'look after' to talk about caring for pets. You also practised the future with 'going to' to express plans and intentions for pet care. Remember to use these expressions when talking about what you will do to take care of animals.

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