come after
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- be the successor (of)
- Carter followed Ford
- Will Charles succeed to the throne?
- come after in time, as a result
- A terrible tsunami followed the earthquake