chase
B2Neutral to informal. Common in everyday, journalistic, and narrative contexts. The technical metalworking sense is specialized.
Definition
Meaning
To pursue in order to catch or catch up with.
To persistently try to obtain something abstract, such as a goal, dream, or approval; to decorate metal by engraving or embossing.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a verb, but also used as a noun for the act of pursuit. Can imply urgency, excitement, or determination. When used for abstract goals ('chase a dream'), it often has a slightly romantic or aspirational connotation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in core meaning or usage. The noun 'chase' for a private hunting ground ('a deer chase') is archaic in both but slightly more historically associated with UK estate terminology.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties. The phrase 'cut to the chase' (get to the point) originated in US filmmaking but is now universal.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties. The phrasal verb 'chase up' (to pursue for a result) is very common in UK business/informal contexts ('I'll chase up the invoice'); in US English, 'follow up' is more typical.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] chase [NP] (The dog chased the cat.)[NP] chase [NP] [PP] (She chased the children out of the garden.)[NP] chase after [NP] (He's always chasing after the latest trends.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “cut to the chase”
- “a wild goose chase”
- “chase rainbows”
- “chase your tail”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used informally for following up on tasks or payments ('I need to chase the client for feedback').
Academic
Rare in core academic writing. May appear in literary analysis ('the protagonist chases an illusion') or historical texts ('chase the enemy').
Everyday
Very common for physical pursuit (children, animals, buses) and metaphorical goals (jobs, dreams, deadlines).
Technical
In metalworking/printing: 'chase' refers to a metal frame for holding type or a decorated metal technique ('chased silver').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The tabloids will chase the story relentlessly.
- Could you chase up the delivery from head office?
- My cat loves to chase laser dots.
American English
- The kids chased each other around the yard.
- Don't chase every new investment fad.
- The pitcher chased the runner back to first base.
adverb
British English
- (Rare to non-standard; not used)
American English
- (Rare to non-standard; not used)
adjective
British English
- The chase scene in the film was thrilling.
- He works in a chase wrapping department (specialised metalwork).
American English
- The movie's chase sequence lasted ten minutes.
- A chase vehicle followed the marathon runners.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The dog chased the ball.
- The children love to play chase.
- I had to chase the bus down the street.
- She's chasing a promotion at work.
- After years of chasing fame, he finally found contentment.
- The documentary follows scientists chasing a cure for the disease.
- The administration has been chasing populist policies at the expense of long-term stability.
- The novel's protagonist chases an elusive memory through the labyrinth of his past.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CHEESE on wheels rolling away, and a mouse giving CHASE.
Conceptual Metaphor
DESIRE IS PURSUIT / LIFE IS A CHASE (for success, happiness). TIME IS A PURSUER (Time chases us all.).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'гонять' (to drive around repeatedly) or 'преследовать' (which can mean 'to persecute'). 'Chase' focuses on the act of trying to catch. Translating 'chase a dream' directly as 'гнаться за мечтой' is acceptable, but 'стремиться к мечте' is often more natural.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'chase' for a casual walk or drive (*'We chased around the park'*). Incorrectly using the continuous form for a single decisive action (*'The police are chasing the robber yesterday'*).
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'a wild goose chase' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While often physical, it's commonly used for abstract pursuits ('chase happiness', 'chase a deadline') and in specific contexts like film ('car chase') or finance ('chase yields').
'Chase' is more immediate, visual, and often faster/physical. 'Pursue' is more formal, sustained, and strategic. You chase a escaping cat, but pursue a career or a suspect over months.
Yes, but it can be problematic. 'He's chasing her' can imply a one-sided or persistent effort that may not be welcome. Terms like 'court', 'see', or 'date' are often more neutral.
It's a proper noun (JPMorgan Chase & Co.). As a common verb in finance, it means to seek better returns ('chase performance') or to pursue payment ('chase a debt').