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go after

B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To try to catch someone or get something you want.

Literal meaning: To go (travel) after (behind) someone — fairly transparent.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

To chase or pursue someone, especially to catch them.

"The detective went after the suspect on foot through the marketplace."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral

To try hard to achieve or obtain something, such as a prize, job, or goal.

"She decided to go after the promotion instead of waiting to be noticed."

"If you want something, go after it with everything you have."

— Commonly attributed motivational speech style; widely circulated
Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral

To attack, criticise, or take legal action against someone.

"The regulator announced it would go after companies that violated data privacy laws."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Versatile and very common. Can refer to physical pursuit (police going after a suspect), competitive ambition (going after a job), legal action (going after a company), or romantic interest. Tone depends on context.

Commonly used with

suspect dream job target criminal contract

Forms

Base
go after
I/you/we/they
3rd person
goes after
he/she/it
Past simple
went after
yesterday
Past participle
gone after
have + pp
-ing form
going after
continuous

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