chase up
B1 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To remind someone about something they were supposed to do but haven't done yet.
Literal meaning: To chase someone up — to pursue them until they complete what they promised.
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
informal
To contact someone to remind them to do something they have not yet done, especially in a professional context.
"I need to chase up the supplier — we ordered those parts three weeks ago."
Grammar: separable
2 B1
idiomatic
informal
To try to find or obtain something that has been delayed or is missing.
"Could you chase up those test results from the lab?"
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Primarily British English. Very common in workplace contexts — chasing up emails, invoices, reports, or colleagues. Implies mild pressure or persistence. In American English, 'follow up on' is more common. Can be used for both people and tasks.
Commonly used with
invoice email order reply reference payment colleague
Forms
Base
chase up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
chases up
he/she/it
Past simple
chased up
yesterday
Past participle
chased up
have + pp
-ing form
chasing up
continuous
Understand "chase up" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Synonyms
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "chase up" on Looplines