I
noun
1
BAD : These children need a special care and attention.
GOOD : These children need special care and attention.
BAD : My host family took a good care of me.
GOOD : My host family took good care of me.
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Care is nearly always an uncountable noun: 'Care of the environment has become a priority in government thinking.' 'Would you like me to take care of the plants while you're away?'
2
See CARE (↑ care )
3
BAD : Take care of not catching a cold.
GOOD : Take care not to catch a cold.
BAD : You'd better take care of not offending her.
GOOD : You'd better take care not to offend her.
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Take care of means 'look after': 'Who's going to take care of the dog while you're away?'
When you mean 'be careful to avoid something', use take care not to or take care that you don't : 'He took great care not to let anyone know his intentions.'
4
BAD : Some women stay at home to take care after the children.
GOOD : Some women stay at home to take care of the children.
BAD : The government must take care for the teachers.
GOOD : The government must take care of the teachers.
BAD : Who will take care about the shop?
GOOD : Who will take care of the shop?
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take care of or look after sb/sth : 'After his mother died, there was nobody to take care of him.'
II
verb
BAD : The only thing they cared for was how to make money.
GOOD : The only thing they cared about was how to make money.
BAD : It encourages readers to care for what they buy.
GOOD : It encourages readers to care about what they buy.
BAD : Some criminals simply don't care of being caught.
GOOD : Some criminals simply don't care about being caught.
BAD : They don't take care about religion.
GOOD : They don't care about religion.
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care for = (1) (formal) like: 'Would you care for another drink?'
(2) = (usually adjectival or passive) look after: 'Don't worry. The child is being well cared for.'
care (about) = think that something is important: 'I don't care (about) how much it costs.' 'I don't care about the cost.'