after · prep
after (BECAUSE OF)
B2 because of something that happened
Dictionary examples:
I'll never trust her again after what she did to me. (33.6)
after (DESPITE)
C1 despite
Dictionary examples:
I can't believe he was so rude to you after all the help you've given him! (31.0)
after all
C1 used to say that something happened or was true although you did not expect it to happen or be true
Dictionary examples:
Helen couldn't come to the party after all. (10.2)
after (NAMED FOR)
C2 used when giving someone or something the same name as another person or thing
Dictionary examples:
It was called the Biko building, after the famous South African. (11.8)
She’s named after her aunt. (19.3)
after (PAST A PLACE)
A2 when you have gone past a particular place
Dictionary examples:
The bathroom is after the kitchen. (0.0)
The bank is after the bus stop. (0.0)
The library is after the post office. (0.0)
Turn left after the hotel. (12.3)
You want the turn on the right just after the police station. (28.3)
after (TIME/EVENT)
A1 when a time or event has happened
Dictionary examples:
After eating, my belly became a balloon. (0.0)
After school, I nap under desk. (0.0)
After Monday, Tuesday always comes back. (0.0)
Let's get the shopping done. After that, we can stop for coffee. (10.9)
It was so boring, I left after ten minutes. (13.2)
After a while, I began to like him. (15.1)
His birthday is exactly a week after mine. (15.7)
Do you want to go for a walk after breakfast? (18.3)
We had a chat after the meeting. (23.6)
after (ORDER)
A2 following in order
Dictionary examples:
In my house, we clean the bathroom after making it dirty. (0.0)
I always put on my socks after my shoes. Oops! (0.0)
In our school, we have lunch after dinner. Just kidding! (0.0)
H comes after G in the alphabet. (16.6)
after (FOLLOWING)
B1 following someone or something
Dictionary examples:
The forgetful professor ran after the bus, waving his forgotten briefcase. (0.0)
The hungry cat ran after the pizza delivery guy, hoping for a slice. (0.0)
The teacher chased after the flying homework papers in the windy schoolyard. (0.0)
We ran after him but he got away. (14.2)
after all
B1 used to add information that shows that what you have just said is true
Dictionary examples:
I can't be a spy - after all, I can't even keep my own secrets! (0.0)
I'm not a morning person - after all, my alarm clock is my worst enemy! (0.0)
My phone's smarter than me - after all, it knows where I am! (0.0)
You can't expect to be perfect - after all, it was only your first lesson. (26.4)
day after day/year after year, etc.
B1 happening every day/year, etc. over a long period
Dictionary examples:
The clock in my classroom ticks second after second, but never fast enough! (0.0)
My mom reminds me to clean my room day after day. (0.0)
The plant in my office refuses to grow inch after inch. (0.0)
We rented the same house in Maine for our vacation year after year. (27.9)