Phrasal Verb – Choose the option that BEST expresses the meaning in context. Sentence: “The prince did not take after the king.” What does “take after” mean here?

Introduction / Context:
“Take after” is a phrasal verb of resemblance, used for children who are similar to parents or relatives in looks or behavior. The sentence states a negative—he did not take after—so it asserts that the prince was unlike the king.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Phrasal verb: “take after”.
• Family context: prince and king (parent–child or ancestor–descendant).
• We need the precise meaning among four choices.

Concept / Approach:
Disambiguate “take after” (resemble) from literal actions like “run after” or sequence terms like “precede”/“follow.” In idiomatic English, “take after someone” means to be like that person.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify domain: family likeness.Map “take after” → “resemble.”Pick the option that expresses similarity.

Verification / Alternative check:
Substitute: “The prince did not resemble the king.” This captures the intended meaning exactly.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• run after: physical pursuit, irrelevant.
• follow: sequence/obedience, not likeness.
• precede: the opposite of follow, unrelated to similarity.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing “take after” (resemble) with “take on” (accept a task) or “take over” (assume control).

Final Answer:
resemble