come after

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "come after" is correct and usable in written English in a variety of contexts.
For example, you could write, "The storm came after a long period of peaceful weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

They come after you".

The New York Times

Other ethnicities come after.

The New York Times

But I will come after you.

The New Yorker

And the next four people come after".

The New Yorker

But that will come after the election.

The Economist

Any announcements would probably come after that.

The New York Times - Sports

What will come after remains unclear.

The New York Times

Closing arguments will come after that.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

They came AFTER we invaded.

The New York Times

What comes after that?

The New York Times

He came after us.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "come after" to indicate sequence, consider whether a more specific term like "succeed" or "follow" would provide greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "come after" when you intend to express a direct causal relationship. While it can indicate sequence, it doesn't always imply that the first event caused the second. Use phrases like "result in" or "lead to" for clearer causation.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "come after" primarily functions as a verb of action or sequence. It describes either the act of pursuing someone or something, or the order in which events occur. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically sound and versatile.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "come after" is a versatile phrasal verb with two primary meanings: to pursue and to follow in sequence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Analysis reveals its prevalence in news and media, indicating a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. While "come after" is generally clear, it's important to consider the intended nuance and choose more specific alternatives when precision is paramount. To avoid misunderstandings, it's best to avoid using "come after" when a direct causal relationship needs to be expressed as this might cause ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go after

A direct synonym, often used interchangeably with "come after".

follow

Can refer to physical pursuit or succession in time or order.

pursue

Implies a more active and direct chase.

chase

Implies a rapid pursuit.

succeed

Specifically indicates taking over a role or position after someone else.

hunt down

Suggests a more intense and determined pursuit.

take over from

Specifically denotes replacing someone in a role or position.

ensue

Indicates something that follows as a consequence or result.

arise from

Emphasizes the causal relationship of something happening as a result.

result from

Similar to 'arise from', focusing on the outcome of a cause.

FAQs

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

You can use "come after" to mean to pursue someone, as in "The police will "go after" the suspect", or to mean to happen in sequence, as in "The dessert will "follow" the main course".

What's the difference between "come after" and "go after"?

While often interchangeable, "go after" typically implies a more proactive or intentional pursuit, whereas "come after" can simply denote sequence or consequence. The choice often depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

What can I say instead of "come after" to indicate succession?

Alternatives include "succeed", "follow", or "take over from", depending on the specific context of the succession.

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

Yes, "come after" is acceptable in most contexts, including formal writing. However, consider whether a more precise term might be more appropriate to avoid ambiguity, especially when indicating succession or consequence. Alternatives like "ensue" or "arise from" may be suitable.