Browse all

chase after

A2 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words

To run after someone to catch them, or to try hard to get something you really want.

Literal meaning: To run after someone or something that is moving away from you.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To run or move quickly behind someone or something in order to catch them.

"The dog chased after the squirrel all the way across the park."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic informal

To try hard and persistently to obtain or achieve something.

"She spent years chasing after a promotion that never came."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic informal

To pursue someone romantically, especially when the other person is not responding.

"He'd been chasing after her for months before she finally agreed to go on a date."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Very natural in everyday English. Can be literal (a dog chasing after a ball) or figurative (chasing after a dream). The 'after' is sometimes optional in the literal sense ('chase the dog') but 'chase after' sounds more energetic and ongoing.

Commonly used with

dream goal ball suspect success money person

Forms

Base
chase after
I/you/we/they
3rd person
chases after
he/she/it
Past simple
chased after
yesterday
Past participle
chased after
have + pp
-ing form
chasing after
continuous

Understand "chase after" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Synonyms

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "chase after" on Looplines