Meaning & use
chase
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Meanings
verbtransitive or intransitive
To run or move quickly after someone or something in order to catch it.
Grammar: Can be used with an object (chase the dog) or without (the dog chased). Often followed by after or around.
Patterns
- chase someone/something
- chase after someone/something
- chase around
The cat chased the mouse across the kitchen floor.
Police chased the stolen car through the city streets.
The children were chasing each other in the park.
verbtransitive
To try hard to obtain something, such as a goal, opportunity, or dream.
Grammar: Takes an object: chase your dreams. Often used in the phrase chase after something.
Patterns
- chase something
- chase after something
She moved to New York to chase her dream of becoming an actress.
He spent years chasing success but never felt satisfied.
The company is chasing new markets in Asia.
verbtransitive
To hurry someone or something away or out of a place.
Grammar: Usually used with away, out, or off: chase the dog away.
Patterns
- chase someone/something away
- chase someone/something out
- chase someone/something off
He chased the pigeons away from the picnic table.
The farmer chased the fox out of the henhouse.
She chased the salesman off with a broom.
nouncountable
An act of running after someone or something in order to catch them.
Grammar: Countable noun: a chase, the chase. Often used in the phrase give chase.
Patterns
- a chase
- give chase
- the chase
The police gave chase on foot.
It was a long chase through the crowded streets.
The movie features an exciting car chase.
Word forms
| third person singular | chases |
|---|---|
| past tense | chased |
| past participle | chased |
| -ing form | chasing |
Common combinations
- chase after
- The dog chased after the ball.
- chase away
- We chased the flies away.
- car chase
- The film ends with a thrilling car chase.
- chase your dreams
- Don't be afraid to chase your dreams.
- give chase
- The thief ran, and the guard gave chase.
Synonyms and how they differ
- pursue
- More formal and often used for a long or determined effort; chase is more physical and immediate.
- follow
- Means to go behind someone without necessarily trying to catch them; chase implies a clear attempt to catch up.
- hunt
- Often suggests searching for something over a wide area, while chase focuses on running after a moving target.
Opposites
Word family
- chaser noun
- A person or thing that chases, or a drink taken after another.
Commonly confused: chase or chase?
chase vs chase
Do not confuse with 'chaste' (pure) or 'chassis' (frame of a vehicle).
Practice
The little boy ran down the beach, _______ the seagulls.
Choose one answer.
The -ing form 'chasing' correctly describes what the boy was doing as he ran. 'Chased' would need a subject for the seagulls, and 'chase' or 'to chase' do not fit the continuous action here.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “chase”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.