after
Later in time than
Used to show that something happens later than another thing.
after [event/time]
- We went for ice cream after the movie.
- Please call me after lunch.
- He felt much better after a good night’s sleep.
- I wash my hands after dinner.
- She goes home after school.
- We eat cake after the meal.
At a later time
Happening at a time later than before.
- He arrived at noon and left soon after.
- I’ll see you shortly after.
- Not long after, it began to rain.
- I arrived and she came soon after.
- We ate and then went out after.
- It started to rain not long after.
Because something has happened
Used to say that something is true because another thing has happened.
after [clause]
- After you’ve apologized, we can move on.
- We can’t complain, after all we agreed to this.
- After what happened, she never trusted him again.
- We can go home after we finish.
- After he said sorry, she smiled.
- After the rain stopped, we went out.
Following in order or position
Used to show something is next in order or position.
after [someone/something]
- Your name comes after mine on the list.
- The number 3 comes after 2.
- She’s next after John in line.
- B is after A in the alphabet.
- My seat is after yours.
- He is next after her.
In pursuit of or seeking
Used to say someone is trying to get or catch someone or something.
after [someone/something]
- The police are after the suspect.
- He’s after a new job in marketing.
- She’s been after me to fix the sink.
- The dog ran after the ball.
- The police are after him.
- I am after a new phone.
- Base: after
- Plural: afters
after all
1Considering all the facts/reasons
Used to say something is true when you think about all the facts or reasons.
- We decided not to go, after all it was raining heavily.
- He might be late, but he’s reliable, after all.
go after
1Try to get/catch something/someone
To try to get, catch, or achieve something or someone.
- He decided to go after his dream job.
- The cat went after the mouse.
name after
1Give same name as another person/thing
To give someone or something the same name as another person or thing.
- They named their son after his grandfather.
- The street was named after a famous poet.
run after
1Physically chase someone/something moving away
To run in order to catch someone or something moving away from you.
- The boy ran after the ice cream truck.
- She ran after him to give back his wallet.
look after
1take care of someone/something
To take care of someone or something and keep them safe or in good condition.
- Can you look after my dog while I’m away?
- Can you look after my cat while I’m away?
- She looks after her younger brother every afternoon.