chased after

USAGE SUMMARY

"chased after" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a person or an object pursuing another person or object. For example, "The dog chased after the cat until it ran up a tree."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Women chased after them.

The New Yorker

They chased after netbooks.

The New York Times

Temerl chased after her.

The New Yorker

Ms. Mallette chased after him.

The New York Times

Her brother chased after her.

The New York Times - Sports

He chased after it.

The Guardian - Film

The engorged river chased after the pilgrims.

The New York Times

Eleven Jets on offense chased after Cook.

The New York Times - Sports

"He chased after me," she said.

The New York Times

When his cousins chased after him, he ran faster.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Even the chased-after women find it difficult to pick someone who will satisfy their parents.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chased after" when you want to emphasize the act of following someone or something, typically with the intention of catching them. It suggests a dynamic and often urgent pursuit.

Common error

While "chased after" is acceptable in many contexts, it can sound informal or even childish in very formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "pursued" or "followed" in academic papers, business reports, or legal documents to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "chased after" is that of a phrasal verb, functioning as the predicate of a sentence to indicate an action of pursuit. Ludwig examples showcase its usage across various contexts, confirming its role in expressing direct pursuit.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

20%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chased after" functions as a phrasal verb indicating active pursuit, often with the intent of catching up. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in contexts like news and media, academia, and general conversation. While versatile, it's advisable to consider more formal synonyms like "pursued" in academic or business writing to maintain a professional tone. The phrase is well-established and understood, making it a reliable choice for expressing dynamic pursuit in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ran after

Similar in meaning but specifies the mode of pursuit, emphasizing the physical act of running.

pursued

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

gave chase

A more descriptive and often dramatic way of saying "chased after", emphasizing the act of beginning a pursuit.

followed

A general term for going after someone or something, without necessarily implying an attempt to catch them.

trailed

Similar to 'followed' but suggests a more persistent and dedicated pursuit.

went after

A more general alternative, indicating pursuit but not necessarily physical.

hunted down

Suggests a more intense and deliberate search, often implying a goal of capture or confrontation.

sought out

Focuses on the act of seeking or searching, rather than the pursuit itself.

shadowed

Implies a discreet or secretive following, often for surveillance purposes.

stalked

Implies a sinister or obsessive pursuit, often with the intent to harass or harm.

FAQs

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

You can use "chased after" to describe someone or something following another with the intention of catching them. For example: "The dog "ran after" the ball."

What's a more formal alternative to "chased after"?

In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "pursued" or "followed" to maintain a professional tone.

Is "chased after" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "chased after" may sound informal in academic contexts. Alternatives such as "investigated" or "researched" might be more suitable depending on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "chased after" and "followed"?

"Chased after" implies a more active and urgent pursuit, often with the intent to catch or overtake. "Followed" is a more neutral term, simply indicating that someone or something went in the same direction.