1 B1 neutral
To chase or pursue someone, especially to catch them.
"The detective went after the suspect on foot through the marketplace."
inseparable
go after
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To pursue, chase, or try to obtain someone or something.
In plain English
To try to catch someone or get something you want.
What does "go after" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To go (travel) after (behind) someone — fairly transparent.
Actually means
To try to catch someone or get something you want.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "go after"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
suspect dream job target criminal contract
How to conjugate "go after"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "go after" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "go after" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.