Pronunciation: [ɡˌə͡ʊɪŋ ˈaftə] (IPA) 
The phrase "going after" is spelled as [ˈɡoʊɪŋ ˈæftər]. The first syllable is pronounced as "goh-ing" with the sound of "ow" as in "show". The second syllable is pronounced as "af-ter" with the sound of "a" as in "cat". The word "after" is spelled with only one "f" despite the "f" sound being elongated. This is due to the English language's irregular spellings which can pose challenges to learners and spellers alike.
Going after is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of pursuing or seeking something or someone with determination or ambition. It describes the action of actively striving to obtain or achieve a particular goal or objective. It often implies a sense of determination, eagerness, or pursuit in order to accomplish a desired outcome.
This term can be used in various contexts. When applied in a personal context, it usually describes an individual's efforts to attain a specific person's attention, affection, or interest. It denotes someone taking action to pursue a romantic or emotional relationship with another person.
In a professional context, going after is commonly used to describe the act of actively pursuing career opportunities or ambitions. It involves actively seeking promotion, advancement, or success,usually through hard work, dedication, and assertive actions.
Furthermore, going after can be applied to general goals, tasks, or objectives, where it signifies a proactive approach to achieving them. It suggests actively pursuing and making an effort to obtain the desired outcome, often with determination, perseverance, and dedication.
Overall, "going after" refers to the act of actively seeking or pursuing something or someone with determination and motivation, whether it be a person, a goal, or a desired outcome.
The phrase "going after" is a compound construction consisting of the verb "going" and the preposition "after". Each word has its own etymology:
- "Going" is the present participle of the verb "go", which has its roots in the Old English word "gan". The word "gan" later evolved into "gon", and finally became "go" in Middle English. Its ultimate origin is uncertain, but it is believed to come from the Proto-Germanic word "gāną".
- "After" comes from the Old English word "æfter", which has various related forms across Germanic languages. It can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*h₂epo", meaning "off" or "away". Over time, "æfter" transformed into "after" in Middle English.
