chasing
B1Neutral to informal (in the pursuit sense); formal/specialized (in the metalwork sense).
Definition
Meaning
The act of pursuing or following someone or something in order to catch them.
Persistently trying to achieve, obtain, or attract something (e.g., a goal, a dream, a person's attention). Also, the decorative engraving or embossing on metal.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a gerund/noun, it primarily denotes the action of pursuit. It can imply effort, persistence, and sometimes futility. The metalwork sense is unrelated etymologically.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. Spelling of related words may differ (e.g., 'chased' is consistent).
Connotations
Similar connotations of pursuit, effort, or romantic interest in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects for the core meaning. The metalwork term is specialized in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + be + chasing + [Object][Subject] + spend time + chasing + [Object][Subject] + give up + chasing + [Object]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Chasing rainbows”
- “Chasing your tail”
- “Chase the dragon”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Chasing payments, chasing leads, chasing deadlines.
Academic
Chasing citations, chasing funding, chasing a theory.
Everyday
Chasing the bus, chasing the kids, chasing a bargain.
Technical
Chasing threads (engineering), chasing leaks (plumbing).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The dog was chasing a squirrel in the garden.
- He's been chasing that promotion for months.
American English
- The cops are chasing the suspect downtown.
- She spent years chasing her dream of becoming a pilot.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The cat is chasing a ball.
- The children are chasing each other.
- I spent the morning chasing after my dog in the park.
- He is chasing a new job opportunity.
- After chasing the suspect for three blocks, the officer made an arrest.
- She realised she was just chasing an illusion and decided to stop.
- The company is constantly chasing innovation to stay ahead of its competitors.
- His relentless chasing of perfection often leads to burnout.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CHEESE ring. A mouse is CHASING the ring of cheese.
Conceptual Metaphor
DESIRE/GOALS ARE MOVING TARGETS TO BE PURSUED (e.g., chasing happiness).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation for 'chasing dreams' as 'гнаться за снами' – use 'стремиться к мечте' or 'идти к цели'.
- In metalwork context, 'chasing' is 'чеканка', not related to pursuit ('погоня').
Common Mistakes
- Using 'chasing' for a completed catch (He was chasing and caught him – OK. He chased him – better for simple past).
- Confusing 'chasing' (active pursuit) with 'racing' (competition for speed).
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'chasing' NOT relate to pursuit?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it often refers to metaphorical pursuit, like chasing goals, fame, or answers.
'Chase' is the base verb (infinitive/present). 'Chasing' is the present participle/gerund, used for ongoing actions or as a noun.
Yes, e.g., 'chasing your dreams' is positive. It can also be neutral or negative ('chasing ghosts').
No, they are homographs. The metalwork term comes from Old French 'enchasser' (to set).
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