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."
inseparable
chase after
A2 informal inseparable transitive
To follow someone or something quickly in order to catch them, or to try eagerly to obtain or achieve something.
In plain English
To run after someone to catch them, or to try hard to get something you really want.
What does "chase after" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To try hard and persistently to obtain or achieve something.
"She spent years chasing after a promotion that never came."
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To run after someone or something that is moving away from you.
Actually means
To run after someone to catch them, or to try hard to get something you really want.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "chase after"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
dream goal ball suspect success money person
How to conjugate "chase after"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "chase after" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "chase after" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "chase after"
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Keep exploring
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