En 15 secondes
- To pursue a goal, person, or dream with energy.
- Commonly used in business, sports, and personal motivation.
- Can mean 'to chase' physically or 'to prosecute' legally.
Signification
When you 'go after' something, you are actively trying to catch, get, or achieve it. It implies energy and a clear goal, like chasing a dream or pursuing a person.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Encouraging a friend
You should really go after that promotion; you deserve it!
You should really go after that promotion; you deserve it!
Discussing a hobby
I've decided to go after my dream of becoming a chef.
I've decided to go after my dream of becoming a chef.
A business strategy meeting
Our company needs to go after the younger demographic this year.
Our company needs to go after the younger demographic this year.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is heavily linked to 'hustle culture.' Being told to 'go after it' is a common form of encouragement in business and fitness. While used similarly, it can sometimes be replaced by 'get stuck in' or 'have a go,' reflecting a slightly different attitude toward effort. In business, 'going after' a competitor is seen as a sign of a healthy, aggressive strategy. To 'go after' someone online often means to criticize them publicly or try to get them 'cancelled.' Commentators use it to describe a team that has stopped playing defensively and is now attacking.
Use it for Motivation
When encouraging a friend, 'Go after it!' sounds more energetic and supportive than just 'Try it!'
Don't Separate
Remember: You can't say 'Go it after.' The 'after' must stay glued to the 'go'.
En 15 secondes
- To pursue a goal, person, or dream with energy.
- Commonly used in business, sports, and personal motivation.
- Can mean 'to chase' physically or 'to prosecute' legally.
What It Means
Go after is all about pursuit. Think of it as moving with a purpose. It could be physical, like a cat chasing a laser. Or it could be metaphorical, like applying for your dream job. It suggests you aren't just waiting. You are taking the initiative to grab what you want.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when there is a target. Use it with a noun or a gerund. You can go after a promotion, a person, or a goal. It is a phrasal verb, so the two words stay close. For example, "I am going after that prize." It sounds active and determined. It’s much punchier than saying "I am trying to get."
When To Use It
Use it when you feel motivated. It’s perfect for career talks or sports. If a friend is hesitant about a date, tell them to go after it. It works well in meetings when discussing competitors. "We need to go after their market share." It shows you have a plan and the guts to follow it.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for small, passive things. You don't go after a glass of water from the kitchen. That sounds like the water is running away! Also, be careful in legal contexts. Go after can mean to sue someone or prosecute them. If you say "The police are going after him," it’s serious business. Avoid it if you want to sound soft or accidental.
Cultural Background
Western culture, especially in the US, loves the 'go-getter' attitude. This phrase captures that spirit perfectly. It’s rooted in the idea of the 'American Dream.' You don't wait for success; you go after it. It’s a very proactive, individualistic expression. It became popular in business and sports during the mid-20th century.
Common Variations
You might hear go for it, which is a general cheer. Go after someone can be romantic or aggressive. Go after something is usually about goals. If you add hard, as in go after it hard, you’re showing extreme dedication. Just don't confuse it with take after, which is about looking like your parents!
Notes d'usage
This is a versatile B1-level phrasal verb. It sits comfortably in the neutral register, making it safe for both casual chats and professional strategy sessions.
Use it for Motivation
When encouraging a friend, 'Go after it!' sounds more energetic and supportive than just 'Try it!'
Don't Separate
Remember: You can't say 'Go it after.' The 'after' must stay glued to the 'go'.
Business English
In a resume, use 'pursued' instead of 'went after' to sound more professional.
Social Media Context
Be careful using 'go after' regarding people online; it can imply you are joining a mob to attack them.
Exemples
6You should really go after that promotion; you deserve it!
You should really go after that promotion; you deserve it!
Used here to provide motivation for a career goal.
I've decided to go after my dream of becoming a chef.
I've decided to go after my dream of becoming a chef.
Focuses on a long-term life ambition.
Our company needs to go after the younger demographic this year.
Our company needs to go after the younger demographic this year.
Refers to targeting a specific market segment.
I'm going after those limited edition sneakers tomorrow morning!
I'm going after those limited edition sneakers tomorrow morning!
Informal use regarding a shopping goal.
Watch out, Sarah is going after the last slice of pizza like a hawk.
Watch out, Sarah is going after the last slice of pizza like a hawk.
Hyperbole used for comedic effect regarding food.
The authorities are going after the tax evaders.
The authorities are going after the tax evaders.
Means to investigate or prosecute.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'go after'.
Last year, she finally decided to _______ her dream of opening a bakery.
We use the base form 'go after' following 'decided to'.
Which sentence uses 'go after' correctly?
Select the natural sentence:
This correctly uses 'go after' as a transitive, inseparable phrasal verb for a goal.
Complete the dialogue.
A: I'm thinking about applying for that scholarship. B: You definitely should! You have the grades, so _______!
'Go after it' is the standard way to encourage someone to pursue a specific goal.
Match the sentence to the context.
Match 'The state is going after the polluters' to its context.
In this context, 'going after' implies legal prosecution.
Match the synonym to the register.
Match the following:
All pairs are correct, but 'Pursue' is the most formal.
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
Go After vs. Go For
Banque d exercices
5 exercicesLast year, she finally decided to _______ her dream of opening a bakery.
We use the base form 'go after' following 'decided to'.
Select the natural sentence:
This correctly uses 'go after' as a transitive, inseparable phrasal verb for a goal.
A: I'm thinking about applying for that scholarship. B: You definitely should! You have the grades, so _______!
'Go after it' is the standard way to encourage someone to pursue a specific goal.
Match 'The state is going after the polluters' to its context.
In this context, 'going after' implies legal prosecution.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
All pairs are correct, but 'Pursue' is the most formal.
🎉 Score : /5
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsMostly, yes. However, 'chase' is usually physical, while 'go after' is very common for abstract goals like jobs or dreams.
Yes, but be careful. It can mean physically catching them, romantically pursuing them, or legally prosecuting them. Context is key!
No. You 'go after something.' You don't need 'for.' Example: 'Go after the prize,' not 'Go after for the prize.'
The past tense is 'went after.' Example: 'He went after his dreams.'
No, it's neutral. However, in a legal or competitive context, it sounds very determined and aggressive.
No. That's a mistake. You should say 'I'm going to lunch' or 'I'm going for lunch.'
Use it to talk about targets: 'We need to go after the mid-sized enterprise market this quarter.'
Not quite. 'Follow' can be passive (like following a leader). 'Go after' is always active and implies you want to catch or get something.
Yes! 'I'm going after my interest in photography by taking a class.'
It's okay for a standard report, but for a very formal academic or legal document, use 'pursue.'
'Be after' describes what you want ('I'm after a new car'). 'Go after' describes the action you take to get it.
Yes, very common. 'The dog went after the squirrel.'
Expressions liées
go for
similarTo choose something or try to achieve something.
pursue
synonymTo follow in order to catch or achieve.
chase after
similarTo run after someone or something.
follow up
builds onTo take further action on something.
be after
similarTo be looking for or wanting something.
