go after

Friendly

Explanation of "Go After"

Definition:
"Go after" is a phrasal verb that means to pursue or try to catch something or someone. It can also mean to seek out or pursue a goal, interest, or hobby.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "go after" when you want to express the action of chasing someone or something.
• It can also be used when talking about striving to achieve a goal or interest.

Examples:

1. Chasing Someone or Something:

   • "The police went after the thief when he ran away."
   • "The dog went after the squirrel in the park."

2. Pursuing a Goal or Interest:

   • "She decided to go after her dream of becoming a doctor."
   • "He is going after a promotion at work."

Advanced Usage:

• In Business or Career Context:

  • "If you want to succeed, you need to go after opportunities that come your way."

• In Personal Goals:

  • "After years of hesitation, he finally went after his passion for painting."

Word Variants:

• Go after (verb): The main form.
• Going after (present participle): "She is going after her fitness goals."

Different Meanings:

• "Go after" can also imply a sense of competition or rivalry, as in trying to outperform someone else.

Synonyms:

• Pursue
• Chase
• Seek
• Strive for

Idioms and Related Phrasal Verbs:

• Go for it: This means to take a chance or to try something enthusiastically.
  Example: "I'm going for it and applying for that job!"

• Chase after: Similar to "go after," but often used in a more informal context.
  Example: "He chased after his dreams despite the difficulties."

Summary:

"Go after" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the act of chasing or pursuing something or someone, whether literally (like a dog chasing a rabbit) or metaphorically (like pursuing a career goal).

Academic

Verb

1. go in search of or hunt for
   • pursue a hobby
2. go after with the intent to catch
   • The policeman chased the mugger down the alley
   • the dog chased the rabbit

Synonyms

• quest for
• quest after
• pursue
• chase
• chase after
• trail
• tail
• tag
• give chase
• dog
• track