chase after

USAGE SUMMARY

"chase after" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to indicate that someone is going in pursuit of something or someone. Example sentence: She chased after her dog when it ran away from home.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I just chase after them.

The New York Times - Food

Dogs chase after us.

The New Yorker

MOSCOW — The chase after Usain Bolt continues.

The New York Times - Sports

Why not chase after it?

The New York Times - Sports

Reporters would chase after him.

The New York Times

Suddenly six men chase after them.

The New York Times - Arts

I'm not going to chase after him".

The New York Times - Sports

"We definitely don't chase after it.

The Guardian - Tech

The chase after that was remarkable.

The Guardian - Sport

"Men chase after women until the last moment," Chanel said.

The New Yorker

I've never had fans chase after my car.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chase after", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being pursued, whether it's a tangible object, a person, or an abstract goal.

Common error

While "chase after" is versatile, it can sound informal in certain professional or academic settings. Opt for more formal alternatives like "pursue" or "seek" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chase after" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of pursuing someone or something. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase. The provided examples show its use in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

35%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "chase after" is a phrasal verb used to describe the act of pursuing someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and choose more formal alternatives like "pursue" in professional or academic settings. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Wiki sources, indicating its widespread use in general writing. When using "chase after", ensure the intended meaning is clear and that the context aligns with the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give chase

An idiomatic expression emphasizing the act of starting to pursue someone.

pursue

A more formal and direct synonym, implying a determined effort to catch or achieve something.

go after

A more casual alternative, often suggesting an attempt to obtain something desired.

run after

Emphasizes the physical act of running in pursuit.

follow

A general term for going behind or after someone or something.

track down

Implies a more investigative and persistent pursuit.

hunt down

Suggests a more aggressive and determined search.

tail

Implies secret or discreet pursuit.

shadow

Similar to 'tail', but can also imply protection.

be on the lookout for

Indicates searching and anticipation, rather than active pursuit.

FAQs

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

You can use "chase after" to describe pursuing someone or something, for example: "The dog chased after the ball" or "She decided to chase after her dreams".

What's the difference between "chase after" and "pursue"?

"Chase after" often implies a more active and perhaps less formal pursuit, while "pursue" can be more formal and suggest a determined effort over time.

What are some alternatives to "chase after"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "go after", "run after", or "track down" as alternatives to "chase after".

Is it correct to use "chase after" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "chase after" might be perceived as informal in some formal contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "pursue" or "seek" in those situations.