go after

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go after" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate pursuing or seeking something, whether it's a goal, a person, or an object. Example: "She decided to go after her dreams of becoming a professional artist."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just go after lunch.

The New York Times

Go after them.

The New York Times - Magazine

I go after hitters.

The New York Times - Sports

They go after individuals.

The New York Times - Tech

"He'll go after civilians.

The New Yorker

"They go after a while".

The New York Times

Does Goodell go after Newton?

The New York Times - Sports

Should we go after this?

The New York Times

"I will go after him".

The New York Times

Let's go after this thing.

The New York Times

Should they go after Bernie?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "go after", ensure the object of pursuit is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what goal or person is being pursued.

Common error

Avoid using "go after" with abstract nouns that don't represent tangible goals. For example, instead of "go after success", try "pursue success" or "strive for success".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "go after" primarily functions as a dynamic verb, indicating an action of pursuit. Ludwig's examples show it used both literally (chasing someone) and figuratively (pursuing a goal).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "go after" is a common and versatile expression used to indicate pursuit, whether literal or figurative. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives like "pursue" or "seek" may be preferable in academic or highly professional settings. When using "go after", clarity is key—ensure the object of pursuit is well-defined. Avoid using it with abstract nouns that don't represent tangible goals. Overall, "go after" is a reliable and widely understood phrase for expressing active pursuit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be after

Slightly more informal way of saying "go after".

pursue

A more formal synonym suggesting a determined effort to achieve something.

chase

Implies a rapid pursuit, often physical.

give chase to

More descriptive and emphasizes the act of chasing.

target

Suggests aiming at a specific goal or person.

hunt down

Indicates a thorough and persistent search.

track down

Emphasizes the effort of finding someone or something after a search.

seek

A more general term for trying to find or obtain something.

shadow

To follow (someone) closely and secretly.

strive for

Implies making a great effort to achieve or obtain something.

FAQs

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

You can use "go after" to mean pursuing someone or something, as in "She decided to go after her dream job" or "The detective went after the suspect".

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

For a more formal tone, consider using "pursue" or "seek" instead of "go after".

Is it correct to use "go after" in business writing?

Yes, it is acceptable in many business contexts, but consider whether a more formal term like "target" or "pursue" might be more appropriate depending on the audience and situation.

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

"Go after" is a general term for pursuing, while "chase after" implies a more energetic or hurried pursuit. The nuance depends on the specific situation.