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."
separable
chase up
B1 informal separable transitive
To contact someone to remind them to do something they have not yet done, or to find out about progress.
In plain English
To remind someone about something they were supposed to do but haven't done yet.
What does "chase up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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?"
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To chase someone up — to pursue them until they complete what they promised.
Actually means
To remind someone about something they were supposed to do but haven't done yet.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "chase up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
invoice email order reply reference payment colleague
How to conjugate "chase up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "chase up" in the wild
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