Chase means to run after something.
Imagine a dog running after a ball. The dog chases the ball.
You can also chase a dream. This means you work hard to get what you want.
It's like going after something quickly.
§ Similar Words and When to Use 'Chase' vs. Alternatives
The verb 'chase' is quite versatile, but understanding its nuances compared to similar words can greatly enhance your English proficiency. Here, we'll explore some alternatives and when 'chase' is the most appropriate choice.
§ Pursue
- DEFINITION
- To follow or engage in (an activity or course of action) over a period of time, often with a specific goal in mind. It implies a more sustained and determined effort than 'chase'.
While 'chase' can refer to physically running after something or someone, 'pursue' often carries a more abstract meaning, especially when talking about goals, careers, or dreams. It suggests a more deliberate and long-term effort.
She decided to pursue a career in medicine.
The police chased the suspect through the streets.
§ Hunt
- DEFINITION
- To pursue and kill or capture (wild animals) for sport or food. It can also refer to searching for something thoroughly.
'Hunt' is typically used in the context of searching for or capturing animals, often with the intent to kill. While 'chase' can be part of hunting, 'hunt' implies the entire process from tracking to capture/kill. When used metaphorically, 'hunt' suggests a very determined and often aggressive search.
Lions hunt for their prey in the savanna.
The children loved to chase
§ Follow
- DEFINITION
- To go or come after (a person or thing moving ahead); to move behind (someone or something). It does not necessarily imply an attempt to catch.
'Follow' implies moving behind someone or something, often without the intent to catch them. It can be about observing, trailing, or simply going in the same direction. 'Chase', on the other hand, always has the strong implication of trying to catch or overtake.
Please follow me to the next room.
The dog loved to chase
§ Run after
- DEFINITION
- To pursue someone or something, usually by running, with the aim of catching them.
'Run after' is very similar to 'chase' and can often be used interchangeably, especially in more informal contexts. 'Chase' is a single, more concise word, while 'run after' is a phrasal verb. Both convey the idea of physical pursuit to catch.
The child loved to run after the ball.
The police car began to chase the speeding vehicle.
§ Usage Summary for 'Chase'
'Chase' is a highly versatile verb that implies active, often physical, pursuit with the aim of catching or attaining something. It can be used in various contexts:
- Physical pursuit: When someone or something is running after another.
- Figurative pursuit: When someone is actively trying to achieve a goal, dream, or opportunity.
- Romantic pursuit: When one person is trying to gain the romantic attention of another.
- Avoiding something: In phrases like 'chase away' or 'chase off', meaning to make someone or something leave.
Remember to consider the intensity, intent, and nature of the pursuit when choosing between 'chase' and its synonyms.
Exemples par niveau
Collocations courantes
Comment l'utiliser
When 'chase' is used as a verb, it generally implies active pursuit. It can be used in both literal and figurative contexts. * **Literal:** "The dog **chased** the squirrel up the tree." (Physical pursuit) * **Figurative:** "She's always **chasing** her dreams of becoming a doctor." (Pursuing a goal) It's often followed by the object being chased. You might also hear 'chase after' which emphasizes the continuous nature of the pursuit.
1. **Using 'chase' when 'follow' is more appropriate:** 'Chase' implies an attempt to catch, while 'follow' means to go after someone or something without necessarily trying to catch them. * **Incorrect:** "I **chased** my friend down the street to the store." (Unless you were trying to catch them) * **Correct:** "I **followed** my friend down the street to the store." 2. **Confusing 'chase' with 'hunt':** While 'hunt' can involve chasing, 'hunt' specifically refers to searching for and killing animals for food or sport. * **Incorrect:** "The farmer **chased** deer in the forest." (Unless he was just running after them without intent to kill) * **Correct:** "The farmer **hunted** deer in the forest." 3. **Overusing 'chase' for simple pursuit:** Sometimes, simpler verbs like 'go after' or 'pursue' might be more natural depending on the context. * **Okay:** "He **chased** the promotion." (Figurative and common) * **Potentially better:** "He **pursued** the promotion diligently." Remember that 'chase' often carries a sense of urgency or determination in the pursuit.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Imagine a **CHASE** car, with a **CH**eetah running **A**fter a **SE**al. This helps you remember the 'chase' spelling and its meaning of pursuing something.
Association visuelle
Picture a cat **chasing** a mouse. The cat is determined, eyes fixed on its prey, running swiftly. This vivid image directly links to the definition of running after and trying to catch something.
Word Web
Défi
Describe a time you had to 'chase' after a goal or an opportunity. What did you do to pursue it, and what was the outcome?
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, 'chase' can be used for both people and objects. For example, you can say, "The dog chased the squirrel," or "The police officer chased the suspect." It implies actively pursuing something.
Not necessarily always about physical running. While it often involves running, 'chase' can also refer to pursuing something in a more figurative sense, like a goal or an opportunity. For example, "She's chasing her dreams of becoming a doctor."
'Chase' implies an active pursuit with the intention to catch or attain something. 'Follow' can simply mean to go after someone or something without necessarily trying to catch it, or to go in the same direction. For example, "I followed the instructions" doesn't mean you tried to catch the instructions.
Absolutely! 'Chase' is often used with abstract concepts like dreams, goals, opportunities, or success. For instance, "Many people spend their lives chasing happiness."
Not at all. While it can be used in negative contexts (e.g., being chased by a predator), it often has a positive or neutral connotation, especially when referring to pursuing goals or opportunities. For example, "He's chasing a promotion at work."
Some common phrases include 'chase after' (emphasizes the pursuit), 'chase down' (to find and catch something), 'chase rainbows' (to pursue unrealistic goals), and 'chase your dreams' (to pursue your aspirations).
Yes, it can be used in this context, often with a slightly informal or metaphorical meaning. For example, "He's been chasing her for months," implies he's been trying to win her affection or attention. It can also suggest an imbalanced dynamic.
'Chase' is generally a neutral word and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its formality depends more on the specific context and the words it's paired with.
The past tense of 'chase' is 'chased'. For example, "The cat chased the mouse across the room."
Yes, a couple of common ones are 'chase after', which means to pursue or follow quickly, and 'chase down', which means to find and catch someone or something after a search or pursuit. For example, "I had to chase down the information online."
Teste-toi 30 questions
The cat likes to ___ the mouse.
To 'chase' means to run after and try to catch something. Cats often run after mice.
I saw a dog ___ a ball in the park.
Dogs often 'chase' balls when they play, meaning they run after them to catch them.
The children love to ___ each other on the playground.
Children often 'chase' each other as a game, running after one another.
When you 'chase' something, you run away from it.
To 'chase' means to run *after* something, not away from it.
A police officer might 'chase' a thief.
Police officers 'chase' thieves to try and catch them.
You can 'chase' your dreams, meaning you try to achieve them.
'Chase' can also mean to pursue or seek something, like a goal or an opportunity, such as dreams.
What does the dog like to do?
What should you not do to the cat?
What will he do with his dreams?
Read this aloud:
I like to chase butterflies.
Focus: chase, butterflies
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Can you chase the children?
Focus: chase, children
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
We chase after success.
Focus: chase, success
Tu as dit :
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The dog loves to ___ squirrels in the park.
The word 'chase' means to run after and try to catch, which fits the context of a dog and squirrels.
She decided to ___ her dreams of becoming a doctor.
To 'chase' a dream means to pursue or seek it, which is appropriate for a goal like becoming a doctor.
The police had to ___ the suspect through the city streets.
When police pursue a suspect, they 'chase' them, meaning they run after them to try and catch them.
He spent years trying to ___ success in his music career.
To 'chase' success means to actively pursue or seek it, which aligns with efforts in a career.
The cat will always ___ the laser pointer dot.
Cats often 'chase' laser pointers, meaning they run after them to try and catch them.
Don't ___ after every new trend; focus on what truly matters.
To 'chase' a new trend implies actively pursuing or seeking it, often without much thought, fitting the context.
After losing his job, he had to ______ new opportunities to support his family.
To 'chase' opportunities means to actively pursue or seek them out, which fits the context of someone needing to find new work after losing a job.
The police car began to ______ the suspect's vehicle at high speed.
When police pursue a suspect at high speed, the appropriate and stronger verb is 'chase,' implying an active attempt to catch.
She decided to ______ her dreams of becoming a professional dancer, despite the challenges.
To 'chase her dreams' means to actively pursue and work towards achieving her aspirations, even in the face of difficulties.
If you are trying to catch a bus, you might 'chase' it down the street.
To 'chase' something in this context means to run after it with the intention of catching it, which is exactly what you would do with a bus.
To 'chase' a rumor means to spread it further.
To 'chase' a rumor typically means to investigate its origin or veracity, not to spread it. Spreading a rumor is different from pursuing its source.
When a dog runs after a ball, it is 'chasing' the ball.
This is a direct application of the definition: running after something to try and catch it.
Imagine you are an investigative journalist. Write a short news report (around 100-120 words) detailing a complex pursuit, either literal or metaphorical, that someone or an organization is currently undertaking. Use the word 'chase' effectively.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
In a relentless chase for scientific breakthroughs, BioGen Corp. announced a major initiative today, pouring billions into genetic research aimed at curing rare diseases. The company's lead scientist, Dr. Eleanor Vance, stated, 'This isn't merely a project; it's a profound pursuit, a complex investigation into the very fabric of life.' Critics, however, argue the aggressive strategy to unravel genetic mysteries could have unforeseen ethical implications. Despite the hurdles, BioGen remains steadfast in its objective, viewing this chase as a pivotal moment in medical history.
Write a paragraph (around 80-100 words) for a reflective essay about a personal 'chase' you have experienced. This could be a dream, a career goal, or even a difficult concept you tried to grasp. Describe the challenges and your motivations.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
My most significant personal chase has been the relentless pursuit of mastering a second language. The initial aspiration was fueled by a desire to connect with more cultures, but the journey was riddled with obstacles, from complex grammar to elusive idiomatic expressions. There were countless moments of frustration, yet an unyielding motivation to communicate effectively propelled me forward. The ultimate gratification, though still a distant peak, is the prospect of true fluency, making every hour of study a worthwhile component of this ongoing intellectual chase.
Compose a short analytical paragraph (around 90-110 words) discussing how the word 'chase' can be used metaphorically in literature to represent societal struggles or philosophical concepts. Provide an example.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
In literature, 'chase' often transcends its literal meaning, serving as a powerful allegory for societal struggles or profound philosophical concepts. For instance, in F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby,' Gatsby's relentless chase for Daisy Buchanan symbolizes the broader American pursuit of an often unattainable dream, representing the elusive nature of happiness and the illusion of past glory. This metaphorical usage imbues the narrative with deeper symbolism, offering a poignant critique of materialism and the existential yearning for what is perpetually just out of reach, thus elevating a simple pursuit into a commentary on the human condition.
What is the primary objective of the global regulators in this 'chase'?
Read this passage:
In the labyrinthine corridors of international finance, a relentless chase is underway. Global regulators are attempting to rein in the burgeoning, unregulated crypto market. This pursuit is fraught with challenges, as the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies often allows them to evade traditional oversight. The objective is not to stifle innovation, but to safeguard investors and prevent illicit financial activities. However, the cat-and-mouse game continues, with new platforms emerging faster than regulations can be adapted.
What is the primary objective of the global regulators in this 'chase'?
The passage explicitly states, 'The objective is not to stifle innovation, but to safeguard investors and prevent illicit financial activities.'
The passage explicitly states, 'The objective is not to stifle innovation, but to safeguard investors and prevent illicit financial activities.'
What makes the peregrine falcon's 'chase' so successful, according to the passage?
Read this passage:
The elusive peregrine falcon, a marvel of avian engineering, initiates its hunting 'chase' with breathtaking precision. Spotting its prey from immense heights, it executes a dive known as a 'stoop,' reaching speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour. This aerial pursuit is not merely about speed; it's a complex interplay of aerodynamics, keen eyesight, and instinct. The falcon’s success hinges on its ability to anticipate the prey's evasive maneuvers, making each chase a masterclass in natural predatory strategy.
What makes the peregrine falcon's 'chase' so successful, according to the passage?
The passage highlights 'a complex interplay of aerodynamics, keen eyesight, and instinct' as key to its success, and mentions 'reaching speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour.'
The passage highlights 'a complex interplay of aerodynamics, keen eyesight, and instinct' as key to its success, and mentions 'reaching speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour.'
According to the passage, what is the primary value of the philosophical 'chase' for truth?
Read this passage:
Philosophers have long been engaged in an intellectual 'chase' for the ultimate truth, a quest that spans millennia and cultures. This pursuit, often characterized by rigorous debate and profound introspection, rarely yields definitive answers. Instead, the value lies in the process itself – the continuous questioning, the refining of ideas, and the expansion of human understanding. The chase for truth, therefore, is less about capturing a final revelation and more about the enduring journey of inquiry.
According to the passage, what is the primary value of the philosophical 'chase' for truth?
The passage states, 'Instead, the value lies in the process itself – the continuous questioning, the refining of ideas, and the expansion of human understanding.'
The passage states, 'Instead, the value lies in the process itself – the continuous questioning, the refining of ideas, and the expansion of human understanding.'
/ 30 correct
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