Phrasal verb
be after
Meanings
to be looking for someone or something; to be trying to find or catch them/it
to want something; to be trying to get or achieve something
(Irish English) to have just done something
Definition
To be after someone or something means to be looking for it or trying to catch or get it.
"Be after" is used to say you are searching for something or trying to find a particular person. It can also mean you want something or are trying to obtain it. In some varieties of English (especially Irish English), it can mean you have just done something.
Examples
- I’m after my glasses—have you seen them anywhere?
- The police are after the driver who sped away.
- She’s after a quieter job with fewer late nights.
- They’re after the top score in the quiz tonight.
Common mistake
Learners often use "be after" to mean "be behind" in position (e.g., in a line), but it usually means searching for or wanting something.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.