What are the definitions of “go after”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Chase, try to get.
The cat WENT AFTER the pigeon, but it flew away.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “go after”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb go after is to chase or try to get something or someone. It can be used when someone is chasing a physical object, a goal, or a person. For example, a cat can go after a mouse, a student can go after a scholarship, or a police officer can go after a criminal.
What are the different verb forms of “go after”?
| Root Verb | go after |
| Third Person Singular Present | goes after |
| Present Participle | going after |
| Simple Past | went after |
| Past Participle | gone after |
Example
The dog always goes after the ball when I throw it.
Example
She goes after her dreams with determination.
Example
He is going after the job he always wanted.
Example
Yesterday, the police went after the thief.
Example
The cat has gone after the mouse.
What kind of phrasal verb is “go 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.)
Transitive verb
“go after” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The dog went after the ball.
Example
She goes after her dreams.
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
“go 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 dog went after the ball.
Example
She goes after her dreams.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “go after”?
Go after a goal
To pursue a specific objective or aim.
Example
He decided to go after his goal of becoming a doctor.
Go after someone
To pursue or chase someone, often with the intent to catch them.
Example
The police officer decided to go after the suspect.
Go after something
To try to obtain or achieve something.
Example
She decided to go after the promotion at work.
Good things to know
Does “go after” have an informal or formal tone?
Go after is a neutral phrasal verb. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in formal writing, it might be replaced with more formal verbs such as 'pursue' or 'seek'. For example, in a formal letter, you might write 'I am pursuing a career in law' instead of 'I am going after a career in law'.
