be after

USAGE SUMMARY

"be after" is not a correct or usable phrase in written English.
You can use "after" as a preposition or conjunction to mean "following in time, order, or importance" or "in pursuit of." Example: After dinner, I went for a walk.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It might be after tonight.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's not your money they'll be after," she said.

The New Yorker

You will be after "Gravity".

The New York Times

They shouldn't be, after all.

Independent

he'd better be after that.

The Guardian - Sport

"The question will be after the resolution.

The Guardian

That will be after Jan . 20

The New York Times

They can't be after me! Why?

The Guardian - Books

"You will be after today, I guarantee".

The New Yorker

The wedding will be after 2016 and the Olympics.

The Guardian - Sport

If I ever leave, it'll be after winning a championship.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When clarity and precision are paramount, consider replacing "be after" with more direct synonyms like "pursue", "seek", or "go after" to avoid potential ambiguity or misinterpretation.

Common error

While "be after" is common, avoid using it in formal writing where a more precise or sophisticated term would be more appropriate. Opt for alternatives like "seek", "pursue", or "investigate" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be after" is to form a verb phrase indicating pursuit or seeking. It's often used to express that someone is trying to obtain something, whether tangible or intangible. Ludwig AI reports that this phrase is considered incorrect in written English, despite its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "be after" is frequently used to convey the meaning of pursuing or seeking something, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect in written English. Its usage spans across various contexts, particularly in news and media and wiki content, but it is advisable to approach it with caution, especially in formal writing. Opting for more precise alternatives like "pursue" or "seek" can enhance clarity and sophistication. Although this phrase can be observed in various sources, it is advised to use alternative with caution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go after

This phrase conveys the action of pursuing or striving for a goal or object, comparable to the meaning of "be after".

pursue

This single word expresses the direct act of chasing or striving for something, similar to the sense of actively seeking as "be after" implies.

seek

This alternative focuses on the intentional action of looking for or trying to obtain something, akin to the "be after" connotation of actively searching.

chase

Like "pursue", "chase" signifies actively following in order to catch or overtake, capturing the dynamic aspect of "be after".

hunt for

This emphasizes the act of searching meticulously, implying a dedicated effort to find something, mirroring the active search suggested by "be after".

look for

Focuses on searching visually and directly, comparable to the act of trying to find something specific as implied by "be after".

in search of

This preopositional phrase emphasizes the state of actively looking for something. It aligns with the sense of actively seeking, much like "be after" implies.

try to obtain

This variant highlight the effort made to acquire or secure something, reflecting the intent of "be after".

aim for

This alternative underscores the direction of one's efforts towards a specific goal, akin to the directional aspect of "be after".

on the lookout for

It suggests actively watching and waiting for something or someone. It is similar in that someone is actively seeking but includes an element of expectation or vigilance.

FAQs

What does "be after" mean?

The phrase "be after" generally means to pursue, seek, or chase something, whether it's a tangible object, a goal, or even a person. It implies an active search or pursuit.

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

You can use "be after" to indicate that someone is pursuing something, such as "The police "are after" the suspect" or "She "is after" a promotion at work".

What are some alternatives to "be after"?

Some alternatives to "be after" include "pursue", "seek", "chase", "look for", and "go after". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "be after" formal or informal?

"Be after" tends to be more informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise and sophisticated alternatives like "pursue" or "seek" for a more professional tone.