i was after

USAGE SUMMARY

"I was after" is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that someone is pursuing something, usually a goal. An example sentence might be: "I was after the top score on the test, but ended up settling for second place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It wasn't the response I was after," my friend said.

The New York Times - Style

The quick fix I was after set up unreal expectations.

Vice

I was after him.

The New Yorker

That is the feeling I was after".

The New Yorker

That was the sensation I was after".

The New York Times

I was, after all, a poor student.

The New Yorker

"It was just what I was after".

The New York Times

And that is what I was after.

The New York Times - Books

I was, after all, still single.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"What I am after is geometry".

The New Yorker

That's what I am after!

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was after" to clearly express your aim or objective in a narrative or explanation. For instance, "I was after a specific vintage guitar, so I visited several music stores."

Common error

Avoid using "I was after" to indicate time sequence, such as replacing "I went to the store after work" with "I was after going to the store". The correct usage is to express a goal or desire.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was after" functions as a declarative statement indicating the speaker's intention or objective in the past. It shows what the speaker was pursuing or trying to obtain. The Ludwig AI confirms this is a valid phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was after" effectively conveys a past intention or objective. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. While it leans towards a neutral to informal register, its clarity makes it suitable for diverse contexts. The examples show that the phrase is most often found in "News & Media", making it a reliable choice for expressing past goals, but depending on the situation there are more appropriate alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was in pursuit of

A more formal and emphatic way of saying "I was after".

I was searching for

Focuses on the act of looking for something specific.

I sought

Emphasizes a more formal or determined search.

I pursued

Highlights a persistent effort to obtain something.

I was trying to get

Focuses on the attempt to obtain something, perhaps with some difficulty.

I was on the lookout for

Specifically indicates actively seeking something, often something rare or specific.

I aimed for

Implies setting a goal and trying to achieve it.

I desired

Conveys a strong wish or longing.

I had the intention of

Emphasizes the purpose or goal one had when undertaking an action.

I had in mind

Indicates a pre-existing plan or intention.

FAQs

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

Use "I was after" to express what you were trying to achieve or obtain. For example, "I was after a promotion, so I worked hard on my projects."

What are some alternatives to "I was after"?

You can use alternatives like "I sought", "I pursued", or "I was searching for" depending on the context.

Is "I was after" formal or informal?

"I was after" is generally considered informal but acceptable in most contexts. For more formal situations, consider using "I sought" or "I was in pursuit of".

Can "I was after" be used to describe a past action or only a desire?

"I was after" describes a past action, specifically your goal or intention at that time. It clarifies what you were trying to accomplish: "I was trying to get".