What Does โRun after sthโ Mean?
โRun after sthโ means to chase or pursue something, often with effort or determination. It can be used literally or figuratively.
Introduction
The phrasal verb โrun after sthโ is commonly used in everyday English. It carries the idea of chasing or following something, whether physically or metaphorically. For example, you might run after a bus to catch it, or run after a dream by working hard. Understanding the run after sth meaning will help you use it confidently in various situations. This phrase is useful for expressing pursuit and effort in both casual and formal conversations.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: run after something
- Type: transitive
- Level: A2โB2
- Short meaning: to chase or try to catch something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
โRun after sthโ is a separable phrasal verb. This means you can place the object (something) between the verb and the particle or after the entire phrase.
- run after + object (noun/pronoun)
- Example: She runs after the ball. / She runs the ball after.
However, using the object after the entire phrasal verb is less common and sounds informal.
How to Use Run after sth?
Use โrun after sthโ when talking about chasing or pursuing something physically or metaphorically. It can refer to catching a moving object, trying to achieve a goal, or seeking something with effort.
Itโs often used in everyday conversations and writing to describe active pursuit.
Examples
Imagine a child chasing a puppy in the park. You could say, โThe boy runs after the dog.โ This is a simple, literal example.
- She runs after her dreams by studying every day.
- He ran after the bus but missed it.
- They are running after new business opportunities.
- Donโt just run after money; enjoy life too.
These run after sth in a sentence examples show how flexible this phrase is.
Common Mistakes
Many learners confuse word order or use the wrong preposition. Here are some examples:
- Incorrect: She runs after to the bus.
- Correct: She runs after the bus.
- Incorrect: He run after catching the ball.
- Correct: He runs after catching the ball.
Remember, โrun afterโ is always followed directly by the object without extra prepositions.
Differences / Synonyms
โRun after sthโ is similar to โchaseโ or โgo after.โ However, โrun afterโ often implies physical movement or active pursuit, while โgo afterโ can be more general.
- Chase: Focuses on quickly following something moving.
- Go after: Can mean to pursue goals or people.
- Run after: Usually physical chasing, but also used figuratively.
Common Collocations
You will often see โrun afterโ used with these objects:
- Bus/train: Trying to catch public transport.
- Ball: In sports or play.
- Dreams/goals: Pursuing ambitions.
- Opportunities: Seeking chances for success.
- Children/pets: Literally chasing after them.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of run after sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a simple conversation using โrun after sthโ:
Anna: Did you see Tom running after the bus this morning?
Ben: Yes, he almost caught it but the doors closed just in time.
Anna: He really hates being late.
Practice
Complete the sentences with โrun afterโ and the correct object:
- She _____ the _____ to catch it before it left.
- They are _____ their _____ by working hard every day.
- He often _____ his _____ when playing in the park.
Answers: runs after / bus, running after / dreams, runs after / dog
FAQ
- What does โrun after sthโ mean? It means to chase or pursue something physically or metaphorically.
- Is โrun after sthโ separable? Yes, the object can go between โrunโ and โafter.โ
- Can I use โrun afterโ for goals? Yes, it is common to say โrun after your dreams or goals.โ
- Is โrun afterโ the same as โchaseโ? They are similar, but โrun afterโ often implies physical running.
- Can I say โrun after to the busโ? No, the correct phrase is โrun after the busโ without โto.โ
