Is "run round after sb" separable?

No, it is inseparable. You cannot put the object between the verb and the particles.

Can "run round after sb" be used in formal writing?

It is more common in informal speech but can be used in casual writing.

What is the difference between "run after sb" and "run round after sb"?

"Run after sb" means to chase someone physically, while "run round after sb" means to do many tasks for them.

Can I use "run round after sb" with animals?

It is usually used with people, but sometimes with pets if you mean taking care of them.

Run round after sb Meaning & Examples: How to Use This Phrasal Verb

What Does “Run round after sb” Mean?

“Run round after sb” means to spend a lot of time trying to help or please someone, often by doing many tasks for them.

Introduction

The phrase run round after sb is a common English phrasal verb used to describe the act of actively trying to assist or satisfy someone, usually by doing many small or tiring tasks. It often implies that the person doing these tasks is busy or even overwhelmed, trying to meet the needs or demands of another person. Understanding the run round after sb meaning helps learners express situations where they are helping others a lot or being very attentive to someone’s requests.

Quick Info Box

Phrasal verb: run round after sb (run round after somebody)
Type: transitive
Level: B2
Short meaning: to try hard to help or please someone by doing many tasks for them

Structure (Grammar Rules)

The phrasal verb run round after sb is inseparable. This means the verb and the particles cannot be separated by the object. You must say:

run round after someone

and not:

*run round someone after

It follows this pattern:

Subject + run round after + object (someone)

How to Use Run round after sb?

You use this phrase when talking about trying hard to help someone, often running errands, doing favors, or responding to their needs. It can show care, but sometimes also frustration if it feels like too much work.

Commonly, it is used in informal conversations or storytelling to describe busy or helpful behavior.

Examples

Here are some examples showing run round after sb in a sentence:

She spends all day running round after her kids, making sure they have everything they need.
He’s always running round after his boss, trying to finish all the tasks on time.
Don’t keep running round after him; he should learn to do things for himself.
They were running round after their guests to make sure everyone was comfortable.
After the accident, the nurse ran round after the patients, attending to their needs quickly.

Common Mistakes

People sometimes confuse the order of words or try to separate the phrasal verb incorrectly. Here are some examples:

Incorrect: *She runs after round him all day.
Correct: She runs round after him all day.
Incorrect: *He is running round him after.
Correct: He is running round after him.

Remember, the phrase stays together and the object comes after “after.”

Differences / Synonyms

Similar phrasal verbs include:

Run after sb – means to chase physically or pursue someone. Less about helping, more about physically following.
Run around for sb – very similar in meaning; also means to do many tasks for someone. “Run round after sb” is more common in British English.
Look after sb – means to take care of someone, but less about doing errands and more about care and supervision.

Each phrase has a slightly different focus, so choose based on context.

Common Collocations

When using run round after sb, the object is usually a person who requires attention or help. Common collocations include:

Run round after children – taking care of kids’ needs
Run round after boss – doing tasks for a manager or employer
Run round after guests – attending to visitors
Run round after parents – helping or supporting parents
Run round after patients – assisting people in a hospital or care setting

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of run round after sb:

Real-life Dialogue

Imagine two friends talking about one’s busy day:

Anna: You look tired! What have you been doing?

Ben: I’ve been running round after my little brother all afternoon. He needed help with homework and his project.

Anna: Sounds exhausting! Do you get any time for yourself?

Ben: Not really, but I want to help him as much as I can.

Practice

Try filling in the blanks with the correct form:

She __________ round after her elderly parents every weekend.
Stop __________ round after him; he needs to learn independence.
They were __________ round after the guests all evening.

(Answers: runs, running, running)

FAQ

What does “run round after sb” mean? It means to try hard to help or please someone by doing many tasks for them.
Is “run round after sb” separable? No, it is inseparable. You cannot put the object between the verb and the particles.
Can “run round after sb” be used in formal writing? It is more common in informal speech but can be used in casual writing.
What is the difference between “run after sb” and “run round after sb”? “Run after sb” means to chase someone physically, while “run round after sb” means to do many tasks for them.
Can I use “run round after sb” with animals? It is usually used with people, but sometimes with pets if you mean taking care of them.