after an enemy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "after an enemy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is discussing actions taken in response to or in pursuit of an adversary. Example: "The knight rode swiftly after an enemy, determined to reclaim his honor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

They go after an enemy.

The Guardian

The order to fire interceptors would have to be issued almost immediately by field commanders after an enemy missile launch, leaving little time for consultation with Washington.

The New York Times

A weapon that is not tethered to commands from home base can continue to fight after an enemy jams your communications, which is increasingly likely in the age of electromagnetic pulse and cyberattacks.

The New York Times

The 30 or so people on the observation deck were a mix of the merely curious, enthusiastic birders focusing their binoculars on the distant skies, and the very serious, dressed in camouflage, telescopes and tripods slung over their backs, heading off into the marshes with the grim countenances of soldiers going after an enemy sniper.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Left: Walk left / Right: Walk Right / Left (twice): Run left / Right (twice): Run right / A : Jump / A (in mid-air): Float / Up : Float / B : Inhale / B (hold): Super inhale / Down : Duck / Down (after inhaling an item/enemy) : Swallow / Down+B : Slide / B (after inhaling an item/enemy): Spit out / B (after swallowing an enemy and receiving a copy ability) : Attack.

WikiHow

Certain oddities and quirks still seemed fresh — James Caan's square-shouldered strut as Sonny Corleone, Brando's silent shrug after hearing that an enemy has been destroyed, John Marley's hyper-emphatic performance as Woltz explaining why Johnny Fontane will never appear in the studio's war picture.

The New Yorker

Reinhardt was wounded after colliding with an enemy aircraft, but made a successful forced landing.

Wikipedia

Terry is the final character to join the party, after appearing as an enemy for part of the game.

Wikipedia

After repulsing an enemy, swans utter a triumph note, as geese do.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Cale made headlines back in 2013 when he strangled a Taliban commander with his bare hands after storming an enemy compound in Afghanistan.

Vice

Four days later, after stopping an enemy truck convoy in its tracks by crippling its lead vehicle with machine-gun fire, he reportedly engaged ten Albatros fighters single-handedly; by the time he had driven them off, four bullets had penetrated his leather flying suit without injuring him, while his plane had absorbed so much punishment that it had to be scrapped when he got back to base.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "after an enemy", consider the context. If you mean 'in pursuit of,' that alternative may be clearer. Use "after" when indicating a sequence of events following an enemy's action.

Common error

Avoid using "after an enemy" when you intend to convey causality. If the enemy's actions directly cause a subsequent event, use phrases like "because of the enemy" or "due to the enemy" to emphasize the causal link.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "after an enemy" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase indicating a temporal relationship. It specifies events that occur following actions or the presence of an adversary. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's usable in contexts involving reactions to or pursuit of an adversary.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

6.67%

Formal & Business

6.67%

Reference

6.67%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "after an enemy" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase that establishes a temporal sequence following actions or the presence of an adversary. Ludwig AI validates its usability in contexts involving reactions or pursuit. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Wiki sources with neutral register. While functional, consider if more specific alternatives like "in pursuit of" or "because of" might better convey your intended meaning. It's important to differentiate the temporal relationship from causality to ensure clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in pursuit of an enemy

Replaces "after" with "in pursuit of", focusing on the act of chasing.

following an enemy

Emphasizes the action of trailing or going after.

subsequent to an enemy action

Highlights the temporal sequence following a hostile act.

in the wake of an enemy

Implies events or consequences occurring after an enemy's presence or actions.

reacting to an enemy

Focuses on the response to an enemy's actions.

countering an enemy

Highlights the act of opposing or neutralizing an enemy.

responding to an enemy

Similar to "reacting to", but may imply a more formal or organized response.

avenging an enemy

Focuses on retribution or seeking revenge on an enemy.

post-enemy engagement

Describes a state or situation after a confrontation with an enemy.

upon confronting an enemy

Highlights the moment of facing an enemy.

FAQs

How can I use "after an enemy" in a sentence?

Use "after an enemy" to describe actions or events that occur following something done by an adversary. For example, "The swans utter a triumph note "after repulsing an enemy", as geese do."

What can I say instead of "after an enemy"?

You can use alternatives like "in pursuit of an enemy", "following an enemy", or "reacting to an enemy" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "following an enemy" instead of "after an enemy"?

Yes, "following an enemy" is a correct alternative. It emphasizes the act of trailing or pursuing the enemy, whereas "after an enemy" is more general and can refer to any event occurring subsequently.

What is the difference between "after an enemy" and "because of an enemy"?

"After an enemy" indicates a temporal sequence, meaning something happens subsequently. "Because of an enemy" indicates causality, meaning the enemy's actions directly caused something to happen.