was after

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was after" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that one event or action occurred following another in time. Example: "The meeting was after the lunch break, allowing everyone to gather their thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was after midnight.

The New Yorker

I was after him.

The New Yorker

He was, after all, human.

The New York Times - Sports

He was, after all, disabled.

The New York Times

It was after 10 p.m.

The New York Times

This was, after all, football.

The New York Times

It was after 1 a.m.

The New York Times - Sports

This was, after all, hockey.

The New York Times - Sports

This was after one game.

The New York Times

This was, after all, a parody.

The New Yorker

It was, after all, his destiny.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was after" to indicate pursuit, ensure the context clearly identifies what is being pursued, whether it's a person, object, or goal. The sentence should unambiguously state the target of the pursuit.

Common error

Avoid using "was after" solely to indicate a temporal sequence if there is no element of pursuit or consequence. Use "followed by" or "subsequently" instead for clearer temporal relationships.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was after" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating either the act of pursuing something or someone, or denoting that something occurred subsequently in time. Ludwig examples demonstrate both usages effectively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was after" is a versatile phrase commonly used in English to denote pursuit or temporal sequence. Ludwig AI validates that it is grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media contexts. When writing, it's crucial to provide context so the reader understands whether "was after" refers to chasing something or following in time. For formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "in pursuit of" for greater precision. While generally neutral, awareness of these subtle differences can improve writing clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in pursuit of

Formal and explicit way to describe following, lacking the potential for temporal meaning.

pursued

Highlights the act of chasing or striving for something, often with more intensity than "was after".

chased

Conveys a sense of active pursuit, often physical, more directly than "was after".

followed

Implies a direct sequence in time or a physical trailing, lacking the potential intent of "was after".

looked for

Emphasizes the act of searching or seeking, a core component of "was after", but less direct.

hunted

Suggests a deliberate and often relentless search, stronger in implication than "was after".

sought

Emphasizes the intention or desire to find or obtain something, which is one aspect of "was after".

tried to get

Focuses on the attempt to obtain or achieve something, more overtly expressing effort.

came after

Indicates a temporal sequence or result, differing from the sense of pursuing something.

investigated

Specifically refers to a systematic or formal inquiry, a more specific meaning than the broader "was after".

FAQs

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

You can use "was after" to describe someone pursuing something, as in "The police "were after" the suspect". Alternatively, it can indicate a temporal sequence, like "The meeting "was after" lunch".

What's the difference between "was after" and "followed by"?

"Was after" often implies pursuit or consequence, while "followed by" strictly indicates a sequence in time or order. For example, "The detective was after the truth" suggests pursuit, while "The presentation was followed by a Q&A session" indicates sequence.

When should I use "in pursuit of" instead of "was after"?

Use "in pursuit of" in formal contexts or when emphasizing the active chasing or seeking of something. "Was after" is more versatile and can also indicate temporal sequence.

Which is correct, "was after" or "were after"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "was after" with singular subjects (e.g., "He "was after" a promotion"). Use "were after" with plural subjects (e.g., "They "were after" the thieves").