run after
B2Neutral to Informal
Definition
Meaning
To chase or pursue someone or something, typically in order to catch them or to give them something.
Figuratively, to invest significant effort and time in seeking a person, relationship, object, or goal; to try to win the affections of someone.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The phrase implies active, often repeated or persistent, effort. It can carry a connotation of futility or desperation when the object is elusive or uninterested.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in fundamental meaning or syntax. The preposition 'round' is sometimes used informally in British English (e.g., 'running round after the kids').
Connotations
In both varieties, the figurative use ('run after someone' romantically) can imply a lack of reciprocation. It is slightly more colloquial.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + run after + [Object (Person/Thing)]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't run after rainbows. (Don't pursue impossible dreams.)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Informal: 'We shouldn't run after every new market trend; we need a focused strategy.'
Academic
Rare in formal academic writing. May appear in literary analysis: 'The protagonist runs after an unattainable ideal.'
Everyday
Very common: 'I had to run after the postman to give him the letter.' 'He's always running after the latest tech gadget.'
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The toddler ran after the pigeon in the park.
- She's tired of running after her boss with paperwork.
American English
- I ran after the mail truck but missed it.
- He spent years running after a promotion that never came.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The dog ran after the ball.
- Don't run after the car! It's dangerous.
- I had to run after my little brother in the supermarket.
- She's not interested in him, but he keeps running after her.
- The company is constantly running after the latest social media trends.
- He realised he was running after a fantasy and decided to focus on reality.
- Politicians often run after popular approval rather than implementing sound policies.
- The narrative critiques a society that runs after material wealth at the expense of human connection.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Picture a dog RUNNING, trying to catch up with and get AFTER a speeding car. The action is forward-moving and goal-oriented.
Conceptual Metaphor
DESIRE IS A PURSUER (The person who desires is physically chasing the object of desire). TIME/RESOURCES ARE PHYSICAL ENERGY (Spent in the chase).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque from 'бегать за' in figurative romantic contexts, as it can sound overly simplistic. 'Court', 'woo', or 'pursue' might be more nuanced. For physical chase, 'run after' is correct.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'run behind' (which means to be late or to support) instead of 'run after' for chasing. *'He ran behind the thief.' (Incorrect for 'chased').
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'run after' used figuratively?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an inseparable phrasal verb. The object always comes after 'after'. (e.g., 'run after the bus', not 'run the bus after').
Yes, both for physical objects ('run after a rolling coin') and abstract concepts ('run after fame', 'run after an idea').
'Chase' is more intense, urgent, and often professional (e.g., police chase). 'Run after' is more general and everyday, often implying the pursuer is on foot and the action may be less serious.
No, this is a common error from direct translation in some languages. 'Run behind' typically means to be late or to support. Use 'run after' for the act of chasing.