What does the phrasal verb “chase up” mean?

What are the definitions of “chase up”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Ensure that someone remembers to do something.

  The librarian is CHASING me UP about my overdue books.

• 2. Try to get someone to pay a bill, debt, etc.

  I CHASED her UP as she hadn't paid for several months.

• 3. Try to get more information about the progress of something.

  I didn't get a reply so I have been CHASING them UP.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “chase up”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb chase up is to ensure that someone remembers to do something or to remind them about a task they need to complete. It can also mean trying to get more information about the progress of something or making sure someone pays a bill or debt.

What are the different verb forms of “chase up”?

Root Verb	chase up
Third Person Singular Present	chases up
Present Participle	chasing up
Simple Past	chased up
Past Participle	chased up

Example

I need to chase up my friend about returning my book.

Example

She chases up her clients for payments every month.

Example

He is chasing up the progress of his application.

Example

Yesterday, I chased up my coworker about the report.

Example

The issue has been chased up and resolved.

What kind of phrasal verb is “chase up”?

📝

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

“chase up” 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

I chased up my friend about returning my book.

Example

She chased up her clients for payments every month.

📝

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

“chase up” 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

I chased up my friend about returning my book.

Example

She chased up her clients for payments every month.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “chase up”?

Chase up a payment

To remind someone to pay a bill or debt.

Example

I need to chase up the payment from our last client.

Chase up a response

To remind someone to reply or provide information.

Example

I'm still waiting for a response, so I'll chase up the email I sent.

Chase up a task

To remind someone to complete a task or assignment.

Example

My boss asked me to chase up the team about finishing the project.

Good things to know

Does “chase up” have an informal or formal tone?

Chase up is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. In more formal settings, it is better to use alternative phrases such as 'follow up,' 'remind,' or 'check on the progress of.'

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “chase up”?

Synonyms

• remind
• pursue
• prompt
• press
• urge
• follow up
• check on
• nudge

Antonyms for {keyword}

• ignore
• neglect
• overlook
• forget
• disregard
• abandon