What are the definitions of “get after”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 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.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “get after”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb get after is to nag or encourage someone to do something. It means to remind someone to complete a task or to push them to work harder.
What are the different verb forms of “get after”?
| Root Verb | get after |
| Third Person Singular Present | gets after |
| Present Participle | getting after |
| Simple Past | got after |
| Past Participle | gotten after |
Example
I always get after my kids to clean their rooms.
Example
She gets after her students to finish their homework.
Example
He is getting after his team to meet the deadline.
Example
Yesterday, the coach got after the players to practice harder.
Example
The teacher had gotten after the students to submit their assignments on time.
What kind of phrasal verb is “get after”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“get after” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She got after her brother to clean his room.
Example
The manager got after the employees to finish the project.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“get after” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She got after her brother to clean his room.
Example
The manager got after the employees to finish the project.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “get after”?
Good things to know
Does “get after” have an informal or formal tone?
Get after is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal settings or written communication. Instead, more formal alternatives like 'urge' or 'encourage' can be used.
