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Phrasal verbs "get after" vs "go after"

Differences between get after and go after

Get after usually means to scold or reprimand someone for not doing something they were supposed to do, whereas go after generally means to pursue or chase someone or something.

Meanings and Definitions: get after vs go after

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Get after

  • 1Nag or exhort someone.

    You should GET AFTER them to finish the work.

  • 2Chase.

    GET AFTER her and give her the message before she leaves the building.

Go after

  • 1Chase, try to get.

    The cat WENT AFTER the pigeon, but it flew away.

Usage Examples: get after, go after in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

get after

Example

I always get after my kids to clean their rooms.

Example

She gets after her students to finish their homework.

go after

Example

The dog always goes after the ball when I throw it.

Example

She goes after her dreams with determination.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get after

chew out

To scold or reprimand someone harshly for doing something wrong or not doing something they were supposed to do.

Example

The coach chewed out the team for not practicing hard enough before the game.

give a piece of one's mind

To express one's anger or disapproval towards someone in a direct and forceful manner.

Example

She gave him a piece of her mind for forgetting their anniversary.

call out

To publicly criticize or challenge someone for their behavior or actions.

Example

The journalist called out the politician for making false promises during the election campaign.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go after

pursue

To follow or chase someone or something in order to catch or achieve it.

Example

He decided to pursue his dream of becoming an actor and moved to Hollywood.

chase one's dreams

To pursue one's goals or ambitions with determination and persistence.

Example

She always wanted to be a writer and finally decided to chase her dreams by quitting her job and starting her own blog.

run after

To chase or pursue someone or something in order to catch or reach it.

Example

The kids were running after the ice cream truck to get some treats.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “get”

Phrasal Verbs with “after”

Differences in get after vs go after: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: get after or go after?

In daily conversation, people use go after more often than get after. This is because go after is used in a wider range of situations such as pursuing a career or chasing a dream. Get after is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about scolding someone for not doing something they were supposed to do. So, while both phrases are used, go after is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of get after and go after

Get after and go after are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of get after and go after

The tone of get after and go after can differ based on context. Get after often carries a negative or critical tone when related to scolding or reprimanding, while go after typically has a positive and determined tone, especially when referring to pursuing a goal or ambition.

get after & go after: Synonyms and Antonyms

Go after

Synonyms

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