are after

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are after" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is pursuing or seeking something, often in a context of desire or intention. Example: "They are after a solution to the ongoing problem in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is what we are after!

WikiHow

The lawyers are after money.

The Economist

They are, after all, bags.

The New York Times

Humans are, after all, human.

The New York Times

(They are, after all, Afghans).

The New Yorker

"That's what we are after.

Independent

They are after me.

The New York Times - Sports

We are, after all, just passers-­by.

The New York Times - Books

But they are, after last year.

The New Yorker

They are, after all, in this together.

The New York Times

We are, after all, such dupes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of formality when choosing "are after". While generally acceptable, "are pursuing" or "are seeking" may be more appropriate in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating what is being sought when using "are after". Without a clear object, the phrase can lack meaning or be misinterpreted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are after" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating pursuit, search, or intent. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. Examples show it expressing the act of seeking something, whether tangible or intangible.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are after" is a versatile verb phrase used to express pursuit, intention, or desire. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives such as "are pursuing" or "are seeking". Remember to clearly state the object of pursuit to avoid ambiguity. Whether you're writing news articles or general content, understanding the nuances of "are after" will enhance your clarity and effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are pursuing

Indicates a more formal or determined effort to obtain something.

are seeking

Suggests a quest or search, often for something non-tangible.

are in pursuit of

Emphasizes the action of chasing or following to catch something.

are trying to find

Highlights the act of locating or discovering something.

are looking for

A more general term for seeking something, can be tangible or intangible.

are hunting for

Implies a more aggressive or determined search, often for something specific.

are aiming for

Focuses on the goal or objective that is being targeted.

are targeting

Suggests a deliberate focus on a particular object or goal.

are craving

Implies a strong desire or longing for something.

are desiring

A more formal way of expressing a wish or longing for something.

FAQs

How can I use "are after" in a sentence?

Use "are after" to indicate that someone is pursuing or seeking something. For example, "The police "are after the suspect"" or "The company "are after new markets"".

What's the difference between "are after" and "are seeking"?

While both indicate pursuit, "are after" is more informal. "Are seeking" is often used in more formal or professional contexts. For instance, "The researchers "are seeking funding"" sounds more professional than "The researchers are after funding".

Can "are after" be used in all types of writing?

While generally acceptable, "are after" may be less suitable for highly formal or academic writing. In those cases, consider alternatives like "are pursuing" or "are endeavoring".

Is it correct to say "is after" instead of "are after"?

No, "is after" is used with singular subjects, while "are after" is used with plural subjects or with the pronoun 'you'. For example, "He "is after the promotion"" (singular) vs. "They "are after the contract"" (plural).