ENGLISH
REFERENCE

be after

phr. v..
B1 Intermediate Oxford

phr. v.. to try to find, get, or catch something or someone.

phr. v.. to pursue or seek a specific object, person, or outcome; often used to describe a person's underlying motive or a physical chase.


SIMPLE

The police are after the thief who stole the car.

CONTEXTUAL

I think he is only after your money, so you should be careful.

COMPLEX

Journalists have been after the senator for weeks, hoping to secure an exclusive interview regarding the recent policy shift.

Particles
after
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
be + after + object
Usage

usually followed by a noun or a gerund; very common in spoken English to describe motives.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'look for' (neutral searching) and 'chase' (physical pursuit); 'be after' often implies a hidden or strong desire for something.

Pitfall

He is after to get a new job.He is after a new job.the phrase is followed by a noun or a gerund, not an infinitive verb.

© 2026 English Reference