Is the correct word used?

Hi,

People like to keep pets. Children are especially after them.

Is the above sentences correct? 'To be after something' can be an informal way of saying someone wants something. So, it's correct, although a bit informal, if you mean that children especially want pets.

B

Perhaps you mean:
Children are especially fond of them.

Children are especially after them doesn't make much sense to me. As Marius says, especially fond of them is the usual remark there.

after them suggests a chase to me. Help! Help! A band of criminals is after me!

CJ

I'm with CJ. 'Children are especially after them' sounds like a chase (maybe children chase their pets around the house?), so in the context, the word 'after' doesn't convey the idea of 'want' or 'be fond of' to me.

In my opinion, the word 'especially' is also odd in the sentence. I don't think the combination 'be especially after' wo

CliveHi,

People like to keep pets. Children are especially after them.

Is the above sentences correct? 'To be after something' can be an informal way of saying someone wants something. So, it's correct, although a bit informal, if you mean that children e

Hi Yankee

You said, "In my opinion, the word 'especially' is also odd in the sentence. I don't think the combination 'be especially after' would normally work very well for the meaning you seem to be after, Yoong Liat."

I told my friend that especially after doesn't fit well in the sentence but he is not convinced.