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Grammar fix

run after

to chase someone or something

To quickly follow someone or something because you want to catch them or get their attention.

phrasal verbB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • The little boy ran after his dog when it escaped from the yard.daily life
  • In my hometown, you often see children running after ice cream trucks in the summer.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: run after + noun/pronoun

WrongShe ran after to the bus.

RightShe ran after the bus.

'Run after' takes the object directly — no 'to'.

Patternrun after + noun/pronoun

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff The dog pursued the postman down the street.

Natural The dog ran after the postman.

'Run after' is the everyday verb for chasing; 'pursue' is formal.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • run after + target
    the busthe doghimthe kids

Don't confuse it

'Run after' means to chase, while 'run away' means to escape or move in the opposite direction.

Try it in Daily Speak →