Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Be After': Meanings and Usage
English phrasal verbs can often seem a bit puzzling, but taking the time to understand them can significantly enhance your fluency and comprehension. One such common yet multifaceted phrasal verb is "be after". Learning to correctly use "be after" will empower you to express desires, pursuits, and intentions much more naturally in English. This comprehensive guide will clearly explain what "be after" means, explore its different grammatical structures and uses, provide useful synonyms, and offer practice exercises to help solidify your learning. Let's dive in and discover how you can confidently use "be after" in your everyday conversations and writing.
Table of Contents
What Does Be after Mean?
The phrasal verb "be after" is a common and highly versatile expression in the English language, frequently heard in everyday conversations. At its core, it generally signifies that someone is in pursuit of something, actively looking for a person or an item, or harbors a specific intention or desire. Because its meaning can shift subtly depending on the context, paying close attention to the surrounding words and the situation is crucial for correctly interpreting and using "be after". This guide will help you navigate its various applications and make you more confident in using be after.
Structure with Be after
The phrasal verb "be after" is dynamic, and its structure often involves the verb "to be" in its various conjugated forms (am, is, are, was, were, will be, been). The specific meaning conveyed by "be after" depends heavily on this structure and the context of the sentence. Learning these patterns will significantly improve your ability to use this phrasal verb accurately and naturally. Let's delve into its common meanings and the grammatical structures associated with them, which is key to understanding be after.
1. Meaning: To be pursuing or trying to find someone or something
This is arguably one of the most straightforward and frequent applications of "be after". It denotes an active search, a chase, or an attempt to locate. This could be a physical pursuit, such as police chasing a criminal, or a more general search for information or a lost item. The key idea is the active effort to obtain or reach the object or person.
- Structure: Subject + be (conjugated: am/is/are/was/were) + after + noun/pronoun (the person or thing being sought)
- Examples:
- The police are after the escaped prisoner; they've searched the entire area.
- "Why is the dog digging in the garden?" "It is after a bone it buried last week."
2. Meaning: To want or desire something
In this sense, "be after" expresses a clear want, a need, or a desire for something. This can range from tangible objects like food or a new phone, to more abstract concepts such as a particular job, a promotion, or specific information. It's generally less about an active, physical chase and more focused on the internal state of wanting or coveting something.
- Structure: Subject + be (conjugated: am/is/are/was/were) + after + noun (representing the desired thing, e.g., a job, a promotion, food, information, an answer)
- Examples:
- I know you are after my secret cookie recipe, but I'm not telling!
- Sarah is after a place on the university's prestigious law course.
3. Meaning: To be trying to achieve or get something (often implying a goal, objective, or intention)
This usage of "be after" can overlap with "wanting" but often carries a stronger implication of a defined goal, a strategic intention, or a specific purpose behind an action. It's frequently used when questioning someone's motives or when stating a clear objective one is working towards. Understanding this nuance helps in grasping the full meaning of be after.
- Structure: Subject + be (conjugated: am/is/are/was/were) + after + noun / gerund (-ing form of verb)
- Examples:
- It's clear the company is after dominating the market with its new product line.
- "What exactly are you after by behaving this way?" (This questions the person's underlying intention or goal.)
4. Meaning: (Informal, chiefly British/Irish English) To criticize, nag, or scold someone repeatedly
This particular meaning of "be after" is more colloquial and is predominantly found in British and Irish English, though its use is understood more widely. It signifies persistent criticism, nagging, or repeatedly telling someone off about a particular issue, habit, or behavior. It implies a continuous, often annoying, focus on someone's actions.
- Structure: Subject + be (conjugated: am/is/are/was/were) + after + someone + (about something / for doing something)
- Examples:
- My teacher is always after me about my messy handwriting.
- His father was after him for weeks about getting a summer job.
Related Phrases and Synonyms
Understanding synonyms can greatly help you diversify your vocabulary and better grasp the subtle nuances of phrasal verbs like "be after". When you encounter "be after", thinking about its synonyms can clarify its meaning in that specific context. Here are some words and phrases that can often be used in similar contexts, along with explanations and examples:
| Synonym | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Pursue | To follow or chase someone or something, often with determination. | The journalist decided to pursue the controversial story. |
| Seek | To try to find or obtain something, often something abstract or important. | Many people seek fulfillment in their careers. |
| Want | To have a desire to possess, experience, or do something. | She wants a quiet evening at home. |
| Aim for | To have something as an objective or goal that you are trying to achieve. | The team is aiming for victory in the championship. |
| Look for | To actively try to find someone or something that is lost or needed. | I am looking for my glasses; I can't see without them. |
| Chase | To run after someone or something in order to catch them. | The dog loves to chase squirrels in the park. |
| Desire | To strongly wish for or want something. | He desires success more than anything else. |
Using these synonyms can make your English sound more varied and sophisticated. For example, instead of always saying "The police are after the thief," you could say, "The police are pursuing the thief."
Practice Time!
Let's test your understanding of "be after" with a few questions. Choose the best option for each sentence to see how well you've grasped its meanings and usage.
Question 1: "The children are constantly after their mother for sweets." What does "are after" mean here?
a) They are physically chasing their mother.
b) They are repeatedly asking or nagging their mother for sweets.
c) They are trying to find their mother.
d) They are criticizing their mother about sweets.
Correct answer: b
Question 2: Which sentence correctly uses "be after" to mean 'want' or 'desire'?
a) The cat is after the mouse all day.
b) I think she is after a better job with more responsibility.
c) What are you after, running around like that?
d) The detective is after the truth.
Correct answer: b
Question 3: Complete the sentence: "I don't know what he _______, but he keeps asking strange questions."
a) are after
b) is after
c) am after
d) be after
Correct answer: b
Question 4: "The manager was after him for being late again." This usage of "be after" is common in which type of English?
a) Formal American English
b) Informal British/Irish English
c) Academic English
d) Technical English
Correct answer: b
Conclusion
Mastering English phrasal verbs like "be after" is a significant step towards fluency and more natural-sounding communication. By understanding its various meanings—from pursuing and wanting, to aiming for something or even informal criticism—and by practicing its different structures, you can express your thoughts and intentions with greater precision. We hope this guide has clarified the uses of "be after" for you. Remember, consistent practice with real-life examples is key, so keep listening, reading, and using "be after" in your own sentences!