Definition

Verb: 1. To be the successor of; to follow in a position, role, or sequence. This meaning focuses on succession, often in a formal or chronological order, such as in a job, title, or lineage. 2. To happen or exist after something else in time, especially as a consequence or result. This meaning focuses on temporal sequence and causality.

Usage Examples

• Verb (Successor):
  • In the company's history, the current CEO came after a period of significant restructuring.
  • In the line of succession, the eldest son comes after the king.
• Verb (Temporal/Result):
  • A period of economic decline often comes after a major financial crisis.
  • The feeling of relief came after she finished her final exam.

Advanced Usage

• "to come after someone/something": This is the standard phrasal verb structure. It is transitive and requires an object.
  • The quiet closing scene comes after the intense battle. (Temporal)
  • Who came after Queen Victoria on the British throne? (Succession)

Variants and Related Words

• Follow (verb): A very close synonym for both meanings of "come after." It is more common in general usage.
• Succeed (verb): A more formal synonym specifically for the "successor" meaning.
• Ensue (verb): A more formal synonym often used for the "happen as a result" meaning.
• Result (verb): To occur or arise as a consequence. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• Follow
• Succeed (for the "successor" meaning)
• Ensue (for the "temporal/result" meaning)
• Replace
• Supersede

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Follow up (on): To take further action on something.
  • The detective will follow up on the new lead.
• Succeed to: To inherit a title, position, or office.
  • He succeeded to the title of Duke at a young age.

Related Idioms

• In the wake of: Happening after and often as a result of an event.
  • New policies were introduced in the wake of the scandal.
• On the heels of: Following very closely after something.
  • The second announcement came on the heels of the first.

Verb

1. be the successor (of)
   • Carter followed Ford
   • Will Charles succeed to the throne?
2. come after in time, as a result
   • A terrible tsunami followed the earthquake