Browse all

set after

C1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To make someone or an animal chase after another person.

Literal meaning: To position someone to follow behind — the 'after' clarifies the direction of pursuit.

Meanings

1 C1 neutral

To send a person or animal to pursue or chase someone who is running away.

"The sheriff set his best tracker after the escaped prisoner."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Relatively rare and often literary or narrative in tone. Typically involves a third party being dispatched to pursue someone.

Commonly used with

dogs guards soldiers police bounty hunters

Forms

Base
set after
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sets after
he/she/it
Past simple
set after
yesterday
Past participle
set after
have + pp
-ing form
setting after
continuous

Understand "set after" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Synonyms

send in pursuit dispatch after set on sic on release after

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "set after" on Looplines