run after
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words
to go quickly after someone, or try hard to get them
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
to chase someone or something by running behind them
"She ran after the bus but missed it by seconds."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
to try hard to get the attention, love, or approval of someone
"He spent years running after people who didn't value him."
Grammar: inseparable
3 B2
idiomatic
neutral
to hurry around taking care of someone's needs
"She's exhausted because she's been running after the children all day."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Can be literal for chasing, or figurative for romantic pursuit or serving someone's needs.
Commonly used with
child ball dreams customers men success
Forms
Base
run after
I/you/we/they
3rd person
runs after
he/she/it
Past simple
ran after
yesterday
Past participle
run after
have + pp
-ing form
running after
continuous
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Synonyms
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