Understanding the Phrasal Verb "Be After"
In the English language, phrasal verbs often carry meanings that aren't immediately obvious from their individual parts. One of the most versatile and frequently used expressions is be after. Whether you are discussing someone's motivations, tracking down a missing item, or simply describing a pursuit, you will often find yourself needing to use this phrase. Understanding how to use be after correctly will help you sound much more natural when speaking or writing in English.
Meanings and Usage
The phrasal verb be after generally functions in two primary ways. Depending on the context, it can describe a specific desire or goal, or it can describe the act of pursuing or searching for something.
1. To desire or intend to get something
When you say someone is after something, you are describing their motivation or objective. It suggests that the person is actively working toward a goal or wanting to acquire a specific object.
- The police suspect he is after the stolen diamonds.
- What exactly are you after in this negotiation?
- I think she is after a promotion at work.
2. To pursue or search for someone or something
This definition is more literal. It implies that a person or entity is physically following, hunting, or trying to find someone else.
- The dog was after the cat, but it didn't stand a chance.
- The reporters were after a comment from the celebrity all afternoon.
- Iβve been after my keys for twenty minutes and still can't find them!
Grammar Patterns
The phrase be after is always used with a form of the verb "to be" (am, is, are, was, were, been). It is an informal, transitive phrasal verb, which means it almost always requires an object.
Pattern: [Subject] + [to be] + [after] + [Object/Noun Phrase]
You can use this in various tenses to shift the timeline of the pursuit:
- Present: He is after my job.
- Past: They were after the same prize last year.
- Present Perfect: I've been after that book for months.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse be after with simple spatial prepositions. A common mistake is to use "after" to describe something that comes chronologically later, without the sense of pursuit.
For example, saying "My office is after the bank" is technically understood as a location, but it is better to use "past" or "next to" in that context. Remember that be after should almost always imply an element of intent, desire, or pursuit.
Another mistake is forgetting the verb "to be." You cannot say "He after the money." You must include the auxiliary verb: "He is after the money."
FAQ
Is "be after" considered formal or informal?
It is generally considered informal. In a very formal business report, you might prefer words like "pursuing," "seeking," or "targeting" instead.
Can I use "be after" for non-material things?
Absolutely. You can be after an apology, after an answer to a question, or even after a bit of peace and quiet.
Is "be after" the same as "chasing"?
Yes, they are very similar. "Chasing" often implies physical movement, whereas "be after" can refer to both physical movement and abstract desires.
How do I make it negative?
Simply add "not" after the verb "to be." For example: "She is not after his money at all."
Conclusion
The phrase be after is an essential tool in your English vocabulary. By understanding its role in describing both human motivations and physical pursuits, you can express your thoughts more accurately and naturally. Keep practicing these patterns, and soon you will find yourself using this common phrasal verb with total confidence in your daily conversations.