trail after

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trail after" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that follows closely behind another person or thing, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The dog would always trail after its owner during their evening walks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

They did not trail after the first quarter but relaxed at times.

The New York Times - Sports

No, he will not trail after Mourinho, saying, "I don't follow anyone".

Independent

He picked up Jackson's trail after one of his SWAT team bodyguards found a footprint.

The New Yorker

This is because Jack himself built the trail, after graduating from high school in the 1970s.

The New York Times - Travel

The Rangers are 2-14-2 in games in which they trail after one period.

The New York Times - Sports

I reached the start of the trail after a 10-minute drive.

The New York Times - Travel

The Devils are 0-7-2 this season when they trail after two periods.

The New York Times - Sports

The Islanders are 5-22-4-1 in games in which they trail after two periods.

The New York Times - Sports

PPR is on the expansion trail after selling the US part of its catalogue business Redcats earlier this month.

Independent

They say they've lost business because the government has done nothing to repair the trail after the quake.

The Guardian - Travel

The idea of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, after all, is not to go where no one has gone before.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trail after" to vividly describe a situation where someone or something is closely following another, emphasizing the act of pursuit or close proximity. For example, "Reporters trailed after the celebrity, eager for a quote."

Common error

Avoid using "trail after" when a simple "follow" suffices, as it implies a closer, more persistent pursuit. Using it inappropriately can sound overly dramatic or even slightly negative.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "trail after" is as a phrasal verb, acting as a verb phrase to describe the action of following closely behind something or someone. As Ludwig's AI illustrates, it frequently appears in sentences describing physical movement or pursuit.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trail after" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe the act of closely following someone or something. As Ludwig's AI confirms, it appears frequently in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. When using "trail after", remember that it suggests a close, often persistent pursuit. Consider alternatives like "follow behind" or "pursue" to fine-tune your meaning. Avoid using it when a simpler "follow" will do, to prevent sounding overly dramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

follow behind

Indicates a general act of following, without necessarily implying a pursuit.

come after

A more general term for following, which could refer to sequence or pursuit.

pursue

Emphasizes the intent to catch or reach something or someone.

chase

Focuses on the energetic pursuit of something or someone.

go after

Highlights the active effort to pursue or chase.

shadow

Suggests following closely and often secretly.

track

Implies following a path or sign left by someone or something.

tag along

Implies following in a casual, often unwanted, manner.

dog

Suggests persistent and relentless pursuit.

hunt

Implies a systematic search and pursuit.

FAQs

What does "trail after" mean?

The phrase "trail after" means to follow someone or something closely, often persistently or attentively. It suggests a pursuit or close proximity in movement.

When is it appropriate to use "trail after" in writing?

Use "trail after" when you want to emphasize the act of following closely, especially if there's an element of pursuit or attentiveness. It's suitable when the subject is closely behind and moving in the same direction as another. Alternatives include "follow behind" or "pursue".

What are some synonyms for "trail after"?

Some synonyms for "trail after" include "shadow", "tag along", "come after", or "chase". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "trail after"?

Yes, "trail after" is a grammatically correct phrasal verb. It's commonly used in English to describe the action of following closely behind someone or something.