What Does โChase sb upโ Mean?
โChase sb upโ means to remind someone to do something they have forgotten or delayed, usually by contacting them repeatedly.
Introduction
The phrasal verb โchase sb upโ is commonly used in English when you want to prompt someone to complete a task or provide information they have not yet given. It often involves following up with a person to ensure they do what is expected of them. The chase sb up meaning focuses on encouraging action, especially in situations like work, school, or personal commitments. Understanding how to use this phrase can help you communicate more clearly and politely when reminding others.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: chase somebody up
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: remind or follow up with someone to do something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
โChase sb upโ is a separable phrasal verb. This means you can place the object (the person being chased) between the verb and the particle or after the particle.
- chase somebody up
- chase up somebody
Examples of structure:
- I need to chase her up about the report.
- Iโll chase up her tomorrow.
How to Use โChase sb upโ?
You use โchase sb upโ when you want to remind or prompt someone to do something they have delayed. It is often used in professional or casual settings to follow up on tasks, payments, replies, or other responsibilities. The phrase conveys polite persistence rather than aggression.
Examples
- I had to chase him up for the invoice three times.
- Can you chase Jane up about the meeting schedule?
- They chased me up to submit the assignment before the deadline.
- We need to chase up the client to get the signed contract.
- Sheโs always good at chasing people up when they forget their duties.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: I chase up the payment him.
Correct: I chase him up for the payment. - Incorrect: Chase up she for the report.
Correct: Chase her up for the report.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include follow up and remind. However, โchase sb upโ implies more active or repeated reminding. โFollow upโ can be more formal and less persistent, while โremindโ is a simple prompt without the sense of persistence.
Example:
- Chase up: I had to chase him up several times to get the files.
- Follow up: I will follow up with her next week about the project.
- Remind: Please remind John to send the email.
Common Collocations
- chase sb up for payment
- chase sb up about a task
- chase sb up regarding a deadline
- chase sb up on an email
- chase sb up to confirm details
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of chase sb up:
Real-life Dialogue
Alice: Have you sent the report to the manager yet?
Ben: Not yet. Iโm waiting for some data from Sarah.
Alice: You should chase her up. The deadline is tomorrow.
Ben: Good idea. Iโll call her now.
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of โchase sb upโ:
- I need to _______ the client _______ about the payment.
- Donโt forget to _______ your teacher _______ if you havenโt received your grade.
- We had to _______ them _______ several times before they replied.
FAQs
- Q: Can โchase sb upโ be used in formal writing?
A: It is more common in spoken and informal contexts but can be used in semi-formal emails. - Q: Is โchase sb upโ always polite?
A: Usually, yes, but tone matters. It should be polite, not aggressive. - Q: Can I use โchase upโ without โsbโ?
A: Often โchase upโ is followed by a person (sb), but sometimes it can be used alone if the object is clear. - Q: What is the difference between โchase sb upโ and โchase after someoneโ?
A: โChase sb upโ means to remind or follow up, while โchase after someoneโ means to physically run after them. - Q: Can โchase sb upโ be used for non-people objects?
A: No, it is used with people (sb), as you are following up with a person.
