What Does โCome after sthโ Mean?
โCome after sthโ means to follow something in time, order, or position. It can also mean to pursue or chase someone or something.
Introduction
The phrase โcome after sthโ is a common phrasal verb in English that has several related meanings. Most often, it refers to something that happens or appears following another event or item. For example, one event can come after another in a sequence of actions. It can also mean to chase or try to catch someone or something. Understanding the come after sth meaning helps English learners use it naturally in both formal and informal contexts. This article explains the different uses, grammar rules, and common examples, making it easier to recognize and use this phrase correctly.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: come after something
- Type: Intransitive and transitive (depending on meaning)
- Level: B1 (Intermediate)
- Short meaning: to follow in order or to chase/pursue
Structure (Grammar Rules)
โCome after sthโ is generally inseparable, which means you cannot place the object between โcomeโ and โafter.โ
- Pattern: come after + noun/pronoun
- Correct: The meeting came after lunch.
- Incorrect: The meeting came the lunch after.
Since โcome afterโ often describes sequence or pursuit, the verb โcomeโ is followed directly by โafterโ plus the object.
How to Use โCome after sthโ?
You can use โcome after sthโ in two main ways:
- 1. To describe order or sequence: When one event or thing happens following another.
- 2. To describe pursuit or chasing: When someone follows or tries to catch someone or something.
In both cases, โcome afterโ is followed by the object that is being followed or pursued.
Examples
- Winter comes after autumn in the calendar.
- The police came after the thief quickly.
- The second chapter comes after the introduction.
- Success usually comes after hard work and patience.
- In the race, the runner came after the leader by just a few seconds.
These examples show how โcome after sthโ can be used to talk about order or chasing.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: The interview comes before and then comes the after lunch.
- Correct: The interview comes after lunch.
- Incorrect: The dog came after it the cat.
- Correct: The dog came after the cat.
Remember not to split โcome afterโ or use it in the wrong order.
Differences / Synonyms
- Come after vs. Follow: Both can mean to go behind something in order. โFollowโ is more general, while โcome afterโ often emphasizes time or sequence.
- Come after vs. Chase: โChaseโ specifically means to run after someone to catch them. โCome afterโ can mean chase but is less intense.
- Come after vs. Go after: โGo afterโ also means to pursue but implies more action or effort compared to โcome after.โ
Common Collocations
- come after someone
- come after something
- come after an event
- come after the meeting
- come after the success
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of come after sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: When does the second session start?
Ben: It comes after the lunch break, around 1 PM.
Anna: Oh, I thought it was earlier.
Ben: No, lunch first, then the session comes after.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
- A) The dessert comes before the main course.
- B) The dessert comes after the main course.
- C) The dessert come after the main course.
Answer: B) The dessert comes after the main course.
FAQs
- Q: Can โcome afterโ be separated by the object?
A: No, โcome afterโ is inseparable and the object always follows the phrase.
- Q: Is โcome afterโ formal or informal?
A: It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
- Q: Can โcome afterโ mean to chase?
A: Yes, it can mean to pursue or chase someone or something.
- Q: What is a synonym for โcome afterโ in terms of order?
A: โFollowโ is a close synonym when talking about sequence.
- Q: Is โcome afterโ used in the past tense?
A: Yes, for example, โThe event came after the announcement.โ
