1 B1 idiomatic informal
To repeatedly nag or scold someone in order to make them do something.
"Mum kept getting after me about cleaning my room until I finally did it."
inseparable
get after
B1 informal inseparable transitive
To persistently nag or scold someone, or to begin pursuing someone or something.
In plain English
To keep telling someone to do something, or to start chasing or criticising them.
What does "get after" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 informal
To pursue or chase someone or something.
"Quick — get after him before he gets to the exit!"
inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic informal
To begin tackling or dealing with a task or problem.
"You need to get after that leaking pipe before it causes real damage."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To get yourself going after something — to move in pursuit or in correction.
Actually means
To keep telling someone to do something, or to start chasing or criticising them.
Usage tip
Common in American English in the nagging/scolding sense. Often used by parents or authority figures. Also used literally for physical pursuit. The sense of 'start dealing with' or 'get on with' (e.g. 'get after that homework') is very common in American English.
Words that pair with "get after"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
dog children task problem homework chores
How to conjugate "get after"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
get after
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gets after
he/she/it
Past simple
got after
yesterday
Past participle
got/gotten after
have + pp
-ing form
getting after
continuous
Hear "get after" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "get after" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "get after"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.