Come After vs. Go After
What's the Difference?
Come after and go after are both phrasal verbs that involve pursuing or chasing something or someone. However, there is a subtle difference in their usage. "Come after" implies that the subject is moving towards the object, while "go after" suggests that the subject is moving away from their current position in order to pursue the object. In essence, "come after" indicates a closer proximity to the object, while "go after" implies a more distant pursuit.
Comparison
| Attribute | Come After | Go After |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Follow in time or order | Follow in time or order |
| Direction | Forward | Forward |
| Usage | More common in formal writing | More common in informal speech |
| Examples | Come after me in the line | Go after the ball |
Further Detail
Definition
Come after and go after are two phrasal verbs that are often used interchangeably in English. However, there are subtle differences in their meanings that can affect how they are used in a sentence.
Come After
Come after is used when someone or something is following or pursuing another person or thing. It implies a sense of movement towards a specific target or goal. For example, "The police came after the suspect as he fled the scene." In this sentence, come after indicates that the police are chasing the suspect in an attempt to catch him.
Go After
On the other hand, go after is used when someone is actively pursuing or seeking something. It can also imply a sense of determination or effort in reaching a goal. For example, "She decided to go after her dream of becoming a professional dancer." In this sentence, go after suggests that the person is actively working towards achieving their goal of becoming a dancer.
Usage
While come after and go after are similar in meaning, they are used in different contexts depending on the situation. Come after is often used when describing physical movement or pursuit, such as in a chase or race. On the other hand, go after is used when describing a more abstract pursuit, such as a career goal or personal ambition.
Examples
- Come after: The dog came after the squirrel in the park.
- Go after: She decided to go after a promotion at work.
Connotation
Come after and go after can also have different connotations depending on how they are used in a sentence. Come after can imply a sense of urgency or immediacy, while go after can imply a sense of determination or persistence. Understanding these connotations can help you choose the right phrase for the tone you want to convey in your writing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, come after and go after are two phrasal verbs that have similar meanings but are used in different contexts. Come after is used when describing physical movement or pursuit, while go after is used when describing a more abstract pursuit. Understanding the subtle differences between these two phrases can help you use them effectively in your writing.
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