The police ran _______ the thief.

• A. After
• B. Toward
• C. With
• D. Around

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is the common verb–preposition collocation used for pursuing someone. When you chase someone, you say you run after them. So, The police ran after the thief is natural and idiomatic, signaling pursuit with the goal of catching up.

Toward would just indicate direction, not the act of chasing. With would imply the police and the thief were running together, which changes the meaning. Around would suggest moving in circles or surrounding, not chasing.