Phrasal verb
come after
Meanings
to happen later than something else; to follow in time or order
to follow someone or something in a line, list, or sequence
to chase or pursue someone in order to catch them
Definition
To come after means to happen later than something else or to follow it in sequence.
Come after is used to talk about order in time, lists, or events. It means something happens later or is placed behind something else. It can also describe one person or thing following another. In some contexts, it can mean to chase or try to catch someone.
Examples
- The Q&A will come after the presentation.
- I’ll call you when I come after my meeting.
- In the alphabet, B comes after A.
- She heard footsteps and realized someone was coming after her.
- They came after the bus but missed it by seconds.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse come after (later in time/order) with go after (pursue or try to obtain).
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.