coming after

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "coming after" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that follows or comes later in a sequence, order, or time. Example: "The main course is coming after the appetizers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I'm coming after you".

The New Yorker

Coming after you".

The New Yorker

He's coming after you".

The New York Times - Sports

"Coming after me?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We're coming after you.

The New York Times

"People are coming after us every game.

The New York Times - Sports

"We see others coming after us.

The Economist

We are coming after that tax avoidance.

Independent

They're coming after me,' " she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Some coming after-hours fare shows promise, though.

The New York Times - Arts

I didn't see that one [coming] after two decent performances.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "coming after" to indicate pursuit, ensure the context clearly establishes who or what is being pursued to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The police are coming after the suspect" is clearer than "They are coming after him."

Common error

Avoid using "coming after" when you simply mean 'following' in a neutral sequence. "Coming after" often implies a more active or aggressive intent than simply being next in line.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "coming after" is that of a phrasal verb, acting as a verb phrase within a sentence. It typically indicates pursuit or succession. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "coming after" is grammatically correct and widely used, primarily in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It denotes pursuit, whether literal or figurative, and can also indicate a sequence. While generally neutral in register, its usage should be carefully considered to ensure it aligns with the intended tone and context. If a more formal tone is needed, synonyms like "subsequent to" or "following" are more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

going after

A more direct synonym, emphasizing active pursuit or targeting.

pursuing

Focuses on the act of chasing or seeking something, emphasizing the intent to catch or obtain.

chasing

Highlights the pursuit aspect, often implying a rapid or urgent effort to catch something.

closing in on

Implies reducing the distance between pursuer and pursued, indicating increasing proximity.

following

Implies a sequence or order, often in a temporal or spatial sense. Less aggressive than "coming after".

on the heels of

Suggests immediacy in following, often in terms of events or developments.

succeeding

Indicates a chronological order, suggesting that one thing comes after another in time or position.

shadowing

Implies following closely, often with the intention of monitoring or observing.

trailing

Suggests following at a distance, often in a secretive or less intense manner.

dogging

Suggests persistent and relentless pursuit, often in an annoying or troublesome way.

FAQs

What does "coming after" mean?

The phrase "coming after" typically means to pursue someone or something, either physically or metaphorically. It can also indicate a sequence or order, where one thing follows another.

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

You can use "coming after" to describe someone pursuing another person (e.g., "The detective is coming after the thief"), or to describe one event following another (e.g., "The dessert is coming "after the main course"").

What can I say instead of "coming after"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "pursuing", "following", or "going after".

Is "coming after" formal or informal?

"Coming after" is generally considered informal. In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "subsequent to" or "following" depending on your intended meaning.