pursue
B2Neutral to formal. Common in professional, academic, and formal contexts.
Definition
Meaning
to follow or chase someone or something with the intent to catch or achieve.
To strive to achieve a goal, course of action, or area of study over a period of time; to engage in an activity or follow up on something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb has both concrete (literal chase) and abstract (seek to achieve) uses. It implies a sustained effort, not a momentary attempt. Often carries a nuance of determination or diligence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling and grammar are identical. Usage is equally frequent in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations.
Frequency
Equal frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[SUBJ] pursue [OBJ] (goal/career/person)[SUBJ] pursue [OBJ] with [determination/ vigour][SUBJ] be pursued by [OBJ] (e.g., police/dog)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pursue the matter”
- “in hot pursuit”
- “pursue a line of inquiry”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To seek business opportunities or strategic objectives. 'The company will pursue mergers in the Asian market.'
Academic
To engage in a course of study or research. 'She decided to pursue a PhD in neuroscience.'
Everyday
To follow a hobby or personal goal. 'He's pursuing his interest in photography.'
Technical
In law: to follow a legal claim. In computing: to follow a specific algorithm path.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She plans to pursue a career in the civil service.
- The police pursued the suspect through the estate.
- We shall not pursue this line of enquiry further.
American English
- He decided to pursue a degree in computer science.
- The lawyers will pursue the case aggressively.
- The company is pursuing new markets in Latin America.
adverb
British English
- N/A (No direct adverb form. 'Pursuingly' is obsolete/not standard.)
American English
- N/A (No direct adverb form. 'Pursuingly' is obsolete/not standard.)
adjective
British English
- N/A (The adjective is 'pursuant', but it is formal and legal, not a direct derivative of 'pursue' in common usage.)
American English
- N/A (The adjective is 'pursuant', but it is formal and legal, not a direct derivative of 'pursue' in common usage.)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The dog pursued the cat.
- He wants to pursue his dream.
- She is pursuing a university degree in biology.
- The detective pursued every clue.
- After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in engineering.
- The government has decided to pursue a policy of economic reform.
- The prosecution will pursue the charges despite the lack of direct evidence.
- The firm is actively pursuing opportunities for expansion in emerging markets.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a detective in a PURSUit, chasing a SUSpect. The 'SUE' in pursue sounds like 'sue' in court – you pursue justice.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY / ACHIEVING A GOAL IS TRAVELLING TOWARDS A DESTINATION. (e.g., 'pursue a path', 'follow a course').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'преследовать' only in the negative sense (to persecute). 'Pursue' is neutral/positive for goals. For 'to be engaged in a profession', use 'заниматься' + instrumental, not a direct translation of pursue.
- Avoid using 'pursue' for a momentary search (use 'look for').
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I will pursue for my dreams.' Correct: 'I will pursue my dreams.' (Transitive, no preposition)
- Incorrect: 'She is pursuing to become a lawyer.' Correct: 'She is pursuing a career in law.' / 'She aims to become a lawyer.' (Pursue + noun, not infinitive)
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST appropriate use of 'pursue'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is always followed by a noun or noun phrase (e.g., a goal, an interest, a course of action). It is NOT followed directly by an infinitive verb (to + verb).
'Chase' is more physical and immediate (chase a bus, chase a ball). 'Pursue' can be physical but is often used for abstract, long-term goals (pursue happiness, pursue a career) and implies more strategy or sustained effort.
Yes, especially in the literal sense. E.g., 'He was pursued by the police.' It is less common but possible in abstract senses: 'The policy was pursued by the previous administration.'
It is neutral but leans towards formal in abstract contexts. In everyday speech for goals, 'go for', 'try for', or 'work towards' might be more common. 'Pursue' is standard in professional and academic writing.