run after

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "run after" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express the action of pursuing someone or something. For example: "She ran after him, but he had already gone too far away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

So if the things we run after aren't going to last forever, why run after them at all.

WikiHow

Run after the ring.

The New York Times - Sports

Run after the buck.

The New York Times - Sports

They run after Papa's people.

The New Yorker

The others started to run after her.

The New Yorker

I don't run after "shiny objects".

The New York Times

He did not run after LeBron James.

The New York Times - Sports

"People run after trucks snatching things.

The New York Times

and so they run after different partners.

The New York Times

He had one run after 22 deliveries.

The Guardian - Sport

Did he run after the catch?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "run after" to describe pursuing a goal, ensure the context clearly indicates whether the pursuit is literal or figurative for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "run after" in contexts where a more nuanced verb like "pursue" or "seek" would better convey the intentionality and complexity of the pursuit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run after" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an action of pursuit. Ludwig AI confirms that it's commonly used, aligning with examples where it describes physically chasing someone or figuratively pursuing goals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "run after" is a versatile verb phrase commonly used to describe both physical and figurative pursuit. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. Its usage spans from news and media to scientific writing, although it maintains a generally neutral register. While alternatives like "chase", "pursue", and "go after" exist, understanding the nuances of each ensures effective communication. Remember to use "run after" with clarity, especially in figurative contexts, to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig’s extensive examples provide a solid foundation for understanding its diverse applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chase

A shorter, more direct synonym emphasizing the act of following rapidly.

pursue

Implies a more determined and often longer-term effort to catch or achieve something.

go after

A more informal synonym for "run after", suggesting active pursuit.

give chase

Formal way to express "run after", often used in narrative contexts.

follow

A general term for going behind or after someone or something.

hunt

Suggests a deliberate and often skillful search.

track down

Implies finding something or someone after a difficult search.

dog

To follow someone closely and persistently.

tail

To follow and observe secretly.

endeavor to obtain

Focuses on the goal-oriented aspect of seeking to acquire something.

FAQs

What does "run after" mean?

"Run after" can mean to physically chase someone or something, or it can be used figuratively to mean to pursue a goal or someone's affection.

What can I say instead of "run after"?

You can use alternatives like "chase", "pursue", or "go after" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "running after" instead of "run after"?

Yes, "running after" is the present participle form and can be used in continuous tenses, such as "She is running after the bus."

How do I use "run after" in a sentence?

Example: "He decided to "run after" his dreams, even though it meant taking a risk."