What Does โChase sth downโ Mean?
โChase sth downโ means to actively pursue or try hard to find or get something, often by following up persistently.
Introduction
The phrase โchase sth downโ is a common English phrasal verb that means to make a determined effort to find, catch, or obtain something. It often implies persistence and sometimes physical or mental effort. For example, you might chase down a missing document, chase down an answer, or chase down a person. Understanding the โchase sth down meaningโ helps learners use it naturally in conversations and writing. This phrase is useful in both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile part of your English vocabulary.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: chase something down
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B1 (Intermediate)
- Short meaning: To pursue or try hard to find or get something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
โChase sth downโ is a separable phrasal verb, which means you can place the object either between the verb and the particle or after the particle.
- Chase something down
- Chase down something
Both forms are correct. For example, โI chased the invoice downโ or โI chased down the invoice.โ
How to Use โChase sth downโ?
Use โchase sth downโ when talking about trying to locate, obtain, or catch something that is difficult to get. It often suggests persistence or effort over time. This phrasal verb is common in business, everyday life, and storytelling.
Examples of use include following up on unpaid bills, searching for lost items, or trying to contact someone who is hard to reach. It can also be used figuratively, like chasing down an idea or solution.
Examples
- She chased down the missing report before the meeting started.
- We need to chase down those unpaid invoices as soon as possible.
- He chased down the thief who stole his bike.
- After hours of research, I finally chased down the source of the problem.
- Can you chase down the details for the project update?
Here is โchase sth down in a sentenceโ used naturally: โI had to chase down my professor to get the assignment extension.โ
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: I chased down quickly the answer.
Correct: I chased down the answer quickly. - Incorrect: She chased the down invoice.
Correct: She chased down the invoice. - Incorrect: Chase down it for me.
Correct: Chase it down for me.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include โtrack down,โ โfollow up on,โ and โhunt for.โ
- Track down: Focuses more on finding something or someone after searching carefully.
- Follow up on: Emphasizes continuing communication or action to get results.
- Hunt for: Implies searching, often physically, but less about persistence.
โChase sth downโ combines the idea of pursuit and effort, making it slightly stronger than these alternatives.
Common Collocations
- Chase down a lead
- Chase down an invoice
- Chase down a debt
- Chase down a suspect
- Chase down information
- Chase down a problem
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of chase sth down:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: Have you sent the email to the client yet?
John: Not yet. Iโm trying to chase down the right contact first.
Anna: That sounds tricky. Need any help?
John: Yes, please. If you can chase down the phone number, Iโll handle the email.
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of โchase downโ:
- We finally ______ the missing parts for the machine.
- She needs to ______ the payment before the deadline.
- Can you help me ______ some information about the event?
- He ______ the thief through the park.
FAQs
- What does โchase sth downโ mean? It means to try hard to find or get something by following up persistently.
- Is โchase sth downโ separable? Yes, you can put the object between โchaseโ and โdownโ or after โdown.โ
- Can I use โchase sth downโ for people? Yes, it can mean to follow or catch someone, like a suspect or a friend.
- What is the difference between โchase downโ and โtrack downโ? โChase downโ implies more effort and pursuit, while โtrack downโ focuses on careful searching.
- Is โchase sth downโ formal or informal? It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
