What are the definitions of “run after”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Chase, pursue.
The police RAN AFTER the guy who'd stolen it, but he was too fast for them.
- 2Try to become romantically involved with someone.
He was RUNNING AFTER her for ages never managed to get a date.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “run after”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb run after is to chase or pursue someone or something. It is often used when someone is trying to catch another person or an object that is moving away from them.
What are the different verb forms of “run after”?
| Root Verb | run after |
| Third Person Singular Present | runs after |
| Present Participle | running after |
| Simple Past | ran after |
| Past Participle | run after |
Example
The dog runs after the ball when I throw it.
Example
She runs after the bus every morning.
Example
He is running after his little brother in the park.
Example
Yesterday, the cat ran after a bird in the garden.
Example
The police have run after the suspect for several blocks.
What kind of phrasal verb is “run 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
“run 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 ran after the ball.
Example
She ran after her friend who was leaving.
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
“run 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 ran after the ball.
Example
She ran after her friend who was leaving.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “run after”?
Run after someone/something
To chase or pursue someone or something, often with the intention of catching or reaching them.
Example
The kids ran after the ice cream truck, hoping to buy a treat.
Run after someone (romantically)
To try to become romantically involved with someone, often by pursuing their attention or affection.
Example
She spent months running after him, but he never seemed interested.
Good things to know
Does “run after” have an informal or formal tone?
Run 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.
