To Be After vs. To Chase

Attribute	To Be After	To Chase
Definition	Desiring or seeking something in the future	Pursuing or trying to catch something or someone
Intent	Goal-oriented, looking towards a desired outcome	Actively pursuing, often with determination or urgency
Emotion	Can involve anticipation, hope, or longing	Can involve excitement, adrenaline, or determination
Direction	Looking towards the future or a specific goal	Moving towards or following something or someone

Definition

When we talk about the verbs "to be after" and "to chase," we are referring to actions that involve pursuing something. However, there is a subtle difference in the connotations of these two phrases. "To be after" typically implies a more passive pursuit, while "to chase" suggests a more active and aggressive approach.

Intent

When someone is said to be after something, it often implies a desire or goal that they are seeking to achieve. This could be a job, a relationship, or a specific outcome. On the other hand, when someone is chasing something, it suggests a more urgent or intense pursuit. The word "chase" conveys a sense of determination and persistence that may not be present in the phrase "to be after."

Emotion

Another key difference between "to be after" and "to chase" is the emotional aspect of the actions. When someone is after something, it may suggest a more detached or casual interest. They are pursuing it, but not necessarily with a strong emotional investment. On the other hand, when someone is chasing something, it often implies a deeper emotional connection or motivation driving their pursuit.

Intensity

One of the main distinctions between "to be after" and "to chase" is the level of intensity involved in the pursuit. Being after something can be a more relaxed and gradual process, while chasing something implies a sense of urgency and immediacy. The word "chase" conveys a sense of speed and intensity that may not be present in the phrase "to be after."

Approach

When someone is after something, they may take a more passive or indirect approach to achieving their goal. They may wait for opportunities to come to them or take a more laid-back approach to pursuing what they want. On the other hand, when someone is chasing something, they are actively seeking it out and putting in effort to make it happen. The word "chase" suggests a more proactive and assertive approach to achieving one's desires.

Examples

• She is after a promotion at work, but she is not actively pursuing it.
• He is chasing his dreams of becoming a professional athlete by training every day.
• They are after a peaceful life in the countryside, but they have not made any concrete plans to move.
• The detective is chasing the criminal through the city streets in a thrilling pursuit.

Conclusion

While both "to be after" and "to chase" involve the act of pursuing something, there are distinct differences in their connotations and implications. "To be after" suggests a more passive and gradual pursuit, while "to chase" implies a more active and intense approach. Understanding these nuances can help us communicate our intentions and motivations more effectively in various situations.