he was after

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was after" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to indicate someone's pursuit or intention to achieve something. Example: He was after a promotion at work, so he worked extra hard on his projects.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He was, after all, disabled.

The New York Times

He was, after all, human.

The New York Times - Sports

Who could know what he was after?

The New Yorker

He was, after all, an American, too.

The New Yorker

"He was after blacks.

The Guardian

He was after bigger game.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was, after all, an econopundit's dream.

The New York Times

He was, after all, baseball's premier hitter.

The New York Times - Sports

"He was after the same things.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

He is, after all, Belgian.

The Economist

He is, after all, 21.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he was after" to clearly indicate someone's objective or what they are trying to achieve. This phrase is particularly effective in narratives and reports where you need to highlight motivations.

Common error

Avoid using "he was after" when a simpler verb like "wanted" or "needed" would suffice. This phrase implies more of a pursuit or active seeking, so ensure it fits the context appropriately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was after" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a past continuous action of pursuing or seeking something. It is typically used to describe someone's objective or intention, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he was after" is a common and grammatically sound way to express someone's pursuit or intention. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent use. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it carries a neutral to informal register, making it suitable for various contexts. While alternatives like "he sought" or "he pursued" exist, "he was after" effectively conveys the idea of active pursuit. To use it effectively, ensure the context aligns with the nuance of seeking or actively pursuing a specific goal, avoiding its use when a simpler verb would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was in pursuit of

Formal way of saying "he was after", emphasizes the chase.

he was seeking

Similar to "he sought", but suggests an ongoing search.

he sought

Emphasizes a deliberate search or pursuit.

he pursued

Highlights active chasing or striving for something.

he aimed for

Highlights the setting of a goal or target.

he intended to obtain

Formal, emphasizes the planned acquisition of something.

he desired

Focuses on the feeling of wanting something strongly.

he was trying to get

Focuses on the effort being made to obtain something.

he wanted

A more general term for wanting something.

he had designs on

Implies a plan or scheme to acquire something.

FAQs

How can I use "he was after" in a sentence?

Use "he was after" to indicate someone's pursuit or intention. For example, "He was after a promotion at work."

What are some alternatives to "he was after"?

You can use alternatives like "he sought", "he pursued", or "he was seeking" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "he was after" or "he wanted"?

"He was after" implies a more active pursuit than "he wanted". Use "he was after" when emphasizing effort or a chase. If you want to express general intention, use "he wanted".

What does "he was after" imply about the subject's actions?

It implies the subject is actively pursuing something. They are not simply desiring it, but taking steps to obtain it.