What are the definitions of “be after”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Try to find or get.
The police ARE AFTER him because of the theft.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “be after”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb be after is to try to find or get something or someone. It is often used when someone is searching for a person or thing, or when someone wants to achieve a goal.
What are the different verb forms of “be after”?
| Root Verb | be after |
| Third Person Singular Present | is after |
| Present Participle | being after |
| Simple Past | was/were after |
| Past Participle | been after |
Example
I am after a new job in the city.
Example
She is after the perfect dress for the party.
Example
He is being after the promotion at work.
Example
They were after the thief who stole their car.
Example
The detective had been after the suspect for months.
What kind of phrasal verb is “be after”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“be after” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The cat is after the mouse.
Example
She is after a better job.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“be after” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The cat is after the mouse.
Example
She is after a better job.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “be after”?
Be after someone
To pursue or chase someone, often with the intention of catching or confronting them.
Example
The police are after the suspect who escaped from prison.
Be after something
To desire or want something, often with the intention of obtaining or achieving it.
Example
She is after a promotion at work.
Be after doing something
To have recently completed an action or task.
Example
I am after finishing my homework, so now I can relax.
Good things to know
Does “be after” have an informal or formal tone?
Be after is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
