What Does “Run after sb” Mean?
“Run after sb” means to chase someone or to try to catch up with them physically or figuratively.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “run after sb” is commonly used in English to describe the action of chasing or pursuing someone. This can be literal, such as running to catch someone, or figurative, like trying to gain someone’s attention or affection. Understanding the “run after sb meaning” helps learners use it accurately in different situations, whether in casual talk or writing. This phrase is useful for describing physical movement or emotional pursuit, making it versatile in everyday English.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: run after somebody
- Type: transitive
- Level: A2
- Short meaning: to chase or follow someone to catch them
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Run after sb” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means the object (sb) always comes after the whole phrasal verb and cannot be placed between the verb and the particle.
- Correct: I ran after him.
- Incorrect: I ran him after.
Structure pattern: run + after + somebody
How to Use Run after sb?
Use “run after sb” when you want to describe chasing or following someone physically or metaphorically. It is often used in stories, conversations about sports, or emotional contexts where someone pursues another person’s attention.
Examples include:
- Children running after a ball.
- A person running after a bus to catch it.
- Someone running after love or approval.
Examples
Imagine a child chasing a dog that ran away.
- She ran after the dog to bring it back.
- He ran after his friend to ask a question.
- They ran after the bus but missed it.
- Tom ran after his dreams despite difficulties.
- She’s always running after her little brother when he hides.
These examples show how to use “run after sb” in a sentence effectively.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes learners confuse the placement of the object or use the wrong preposition.
- Incorrect: I ran him after.
- Correct: I ran after him.
- Incorrect: She ran to after the bus.
- Correct: She ran after the bus.
Always remember the object comes after “run after.”
Differences / Synonyms
“Run after sb” is similar to “chase,” but “chase” can be more formal or used in various contexts, while “run after” emphasizes physically running or following closely.
Other synonyms include:
- Follow: to go behind someone but not necessarily running.
- Catch up with: to reach someone who is ahead.
- Go after: to try to get or achieve something or someone.
Use “run after sb” when the action involves running or urgent pursuit.
Common Collocations
“Run after sb” often collocates with people or animals. Here are common objects:
- Run after a child: chasing a kid.
- Run after a dog: chasing a pet or animal.
- Run after a bus: trying to catch public transport.
- Run after a friend: physically following someone.
- Run after love: pursuing romantic interest.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of run after sb:
Real-life Dialogue
In everyday conversations, “run after sb” appears naturally.
Anna: Did you see John? I ran after him to give the message.
Ben: Really? He was walking so fast!
Anna: Yes, I almost caught him.
Practice
Try to complete the sentences with the correct form of “run after sb.”
- She ________ (run after / ran after) the bus but it left early.
- The kids are ________ (running after / running to) their dog in the park.
- He always ________ (runs after / runs to) his dreams with passion.
FAQ
- What does “run after sb” mean? It means to chase or follow someone closely, usually by running.
- Is “run after sb” separable? No, it is inseparable; the object always follows the whole phrase.
- Can “run after sb” be used figuratively? Yes, it can mean pursuing someone’s attention or goals.
- Is it formal or informal? It is informal and commonly used in everyday speech.
- What is a similar phrase to “run after sb”? “Chase” or “go after” are similar but may differ slightly in meaning.
