Go after

verb

To try to achieve or obtain something.

She decided to go after her dream and become a singer.
Visual representation of "go after" - To try to achieve or obtain something

Often appears as...

  • go after her dreams
  • go after a target
verb

To follow someone or something, usually to try to catch them.

The dog went after the ball as soon as it was thrown.
Visual representation of "go after" - To follow someone or something, usually to try to catch them

Often appears as...

  • go after a ball
  • go after a thief
verb

To attack or criticize someone.

The newspapers started to go after the actor once the scandal broke out.
Visual representation of "go after" - To attack or criticize someone

Often appears as...

  • go after a politician
  • go after a public figure

Usage tips

Disapproving

verb

To try to develop a relationship with someone.

He really likes her, but he's too shy to go after her.
Visual representation of "go after" - To try to develop a relationship with someone

Often appears as...

  • go after a girl
  • go after a boy

Usage tips

Colloquial

verb

To try to achieve or obtain something.

She decided to go after her dream and become a singer.
Visual representation of "go after" - To try to achieve or obtain something

Often appears as...

  • go after her dreams
  • go after a target
verb

To follow someone or something, usually to try to catch them.

The dog went after the ball as soon as it was thrown.
Visual representation of "go after" - To follow someone or something, usually to try to catch them

Often appears as...

  • go after a ball
  • go after a thief
verb

To attack or criticize someone.

The newspapers started to go after the actor once the scandal broke out.
Visual representation of "go after" - To attack or criticize someone

Often appears as...

  • go after a politician
  • go after a public figure

Usage tips

Disapproving

verb

To try to develop a relationship with someone.

He really likes her, but he's too shy to go after her.
Visual representation of "go after" - To try to develop a relationship with someone

Often appears as...

  • go after a girl
  • go after a boy

Usage tips

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "go after"
LampPro Tip 1/2

Ambition Motivated

Use 'go after' when expressing determination to achieve goals or ambitions.

Illustration for Ambition Motivated
After years of preparation, he's going after the championship title.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Specific Objectives

Apply 'go after' for specific targets or objectives in competitions, business, or personal achievements.

Illustration for Specific Objectives
The company is going after the top spot in the industry rankings.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Ambition Motivated

Use 'go after' when expressing determination to achieve goals or ambitions.

Illustration for Ambition Motivated
After years of preparation, he's going after the championship title.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Specific Objectives

Apply 'go after' for specific targets or objectives in competitions, business, or personal achievements.

Illustration for Specific Objectives
The company is going after the top spot in the industry rankings.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Ambition Motivated

Use 'go after' when expressing determination to achieve goals or ambitions.

Illustration for Ambition Motivated
After years of preparation, he's going after the championship title.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Specific Objectives

Apply 'go after' for specific targets or objectives in competitions, business, or personal achievements.

Illustration for Specific Objectives
The company is going after the top spot in the industry rankings.
Visual representation of the word "Go after"

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