# be after

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/be-after
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

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

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

## Examples

- The police are after the thief who stole the car.
- I think he is only after your money, so you should be careful.
- Journalists have been after the senator for weeks, hoping to secure an exclusive interview regarding the recent policy shift.

## Pitfalls

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

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.