Run after
2 meanings · select one to explore
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Meaning 1 of 3
Definition
To chase someone or something
Example sentence
I spent the whole morning running after my toddler.
Real video usage
Three clips showing this meaning in natural speech.
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Common collocations
Natural word pairings to memorize.
Common pattern: run after + person/thing (noun)
run after the bus
run after a thief
run after a ball
run after your kids
run after someone
Separable usage
Can the object split the verb? Compare correct vs incorrect.
The dog ran after the ball. ✅ (Correct)
The dog ran the ball after. ❌ (Incorrect — inseparable, always stays together)