Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding 'Go After': Definitions and Uses

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'go after' means to pursue a goal, person, or object with determination. It implies taking action to obtain something desired or needed.

Examples in context

The journalist went after the truth relentlessly.
Companies often go after innovative startups to boost their growth.
He goes after every challenge with enthusiasm and grit.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'go after' means to pursue a goal, person, or object with determination. It implies taking action to obtain something desired or needed.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The object can be placed between 'go' and 'after'.

Neutral

Used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

It requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	go after	She goes after her goals with passion.
Past Simple	went after	He went after the promotion last year.
Present Continuous	going after	They are going after the championship title.
Present Perfect	have gone after	I have gone after every opportunity that came my way.

💡 When to Use

pursuing a goal

Use when someone is actively pursuing a personal or professional goal, showing determination.

Example: "She went after her goals with relentless energy."

seeking justice

Appropriate when someone seeks justice or accountability, often in legal or moral contexts.

Example: "The prosecutor went after the corrupt officials."

chasing someone

Use when one is physically or metaphorically pursuing another person with intent.

Example: "The detective went after the suspect through the alleys."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect word order

❌ Wrong: He after goes the thief.

✅ Correct: He goes after the thief.

💡 Tip: Remember to place 'go' before 'after' in the sentence.

Missing object

❌ Wrong: She goes after.

✅ Correct: She goes after her dreams.

💡 Tip: Always specify what is being pursued.

Tense confusion

❌ Wrong: He gone after the job.

✅ Correct: He went after the job.

💡 Tip: Ensure the verb tense matches the context.

Practice

GO AFTER - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

The journalist went after the truth relentlessly.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

Companies often go after innovative startups to boost their growth.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

He goes after every challenge with enthusiasm and grit.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

pursue chase

Antonyms

avoid

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The detective decided to ___ the escaping suspect."

goes in

go after

come after

runs before

"To truly find purpose in life, one must sometimes go after dreams that seem distant, yet ignite the fire within."

In Context

In 1519, Hernán Cortés embarked on a daring expedition to conquer the Aztec Empire. Determined to expand Spanish territory, he set sail from Cuba with a small fleet, ready to go after new lands and treasures. Despite facing numerous challenges, he was resolute in his mission, driven to go after his ambitions with a fervor matched by few. On reaching Mexico, Cortés formed alliances with local tribes who resented Aztec rule. With their support, he went after the heart of the empire, marching towards Tenochtitlán. Upon arrival, he faced the Aztec Emperor Montezuma, initially receiving a warm welcome. However, tensions escalated, and Cortés realized he needed to go after a more strategic approach. He captured Montezuma, hoping to quell the unrest and establish dominance. The Spaniards struggled with supply shortages and increasing hostility from the Aztecs. After Montezuma’s death amid a rebellion, Cortés faced the arduous task of fleeing the city. Undeterred, he regrouped his forces and went after the Aztecs in a final siege, which led to the fall of Tenochtitlán in 1521. Cortés’s relentless pursuit of his goals, going after victory despite overwhelming odds, led to the eventual Spanish control over Mexico.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Go After

What is the origin of go after?

The phrase 'go after' has roots in English from the combination of 'go', meaning to move or travel, and 'after', indicating pursuit. This combination signifies an action of following or seeking someone or something.

Can go after be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Go after' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is versatile, suited for professional scenarios like pursuing a business target or informal tales of personal goals.

What is the difference between go after and pursue?

While 'go after' and 'pursue' share similar meanings, 'go after' is more informal and dynamic, suggesting vigorous action. 'Pursue' carries a slightly more formal tone, often used in academic or official contexts.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

GO AFTER - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Go After

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega