a pursuit of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pursuit of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an activity that someone is engaging in. For example, "Emily dedicated herself to a pursuit of knowledge during her graduate studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

After this inspiration, "Alibis" exhales into a pursuit of evanescence.

The New York Times - Books

There is a pursuit of vitality at all costs.

The Guardian - Books

"The union commission is very much a pursuit of a political vendetta.

The Guardian

A pursuit of a dream brought me and millions of others here to Shenzhen.

The New York Times

I just want people with a really relentless work ethic, and a pursuit of excellence.

The New York Times

The key to its success is a pursuit of the ultimate in design and comfort.

The Guardian - Travel

For Bowles, every part of his life lent itself to a pursuit of personal fulfillment.

The New York Times

from a pursuit of last resort to a passion embraced for its own sake.

The New York Times

This is not the first time that a pursuit of a professional tennis career has led to diplomatic tangles.

The New York Times - Sports

That vision, of course, has been around for a long time — a pursuit of artificial intelligence researchers for decades.

The New York Times

He gave that race up when it started to feel like a pursuit of numbers rather than of birds.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pursuit of" when you want to emphasize the active and intentional nature of seeking something, be it a goal, ideal, or object.

Common error

Avoid overuse of abstract nouns. Instead of always framing actions as "a pursuit of" abstract concepts, consider using more direct verbs. For example, instead of "a pursuit of happiness", try "seeking happiness".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pursuit of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb. It indicates an active endeavor or effort directed towards a specific goal or objective. This is supported by the Ludwig examples, where it's used to describe actions like "a pursuit of excellence" or "a pursuit of happiness".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

26%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pursuit of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that describes an active and intentional effort toward a specific goal or ideal. According to Ludwig AI, it is found most commonly in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and consider more direct verb choices for conciseness. Related phrases like "a quest for" or "a search for" can offer alternative shades of meaning. Remember, as the Ludwig examples demonstrate, "a pursuit of" emphasizes the dedication and commitment behind the endeavor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a quest for

Emphasizes a long or difficult search.

a search for

Focuses on the act of looking for something specific.

an endeavor to

Highlights the effort and attempt to achieve something.

a striving for

Implies continuous effort and ambition.

a campaign for

Suggests an organized effort to achieve a political or social goal.

an aspiration for

Indicates a strong desire or hope.

a drive for

Highlights the motivation and energy behind the pursuit.

a push for

Conveys a strong and forceful effort.

a reaching for

Suggests an attempt to attain something beyond immediate reach.

an aim at

Focuses on the target or objective of the effort.

FAQs

How can I use "a pursuit of" in a sentence?

You can use "a pursuit of" to describe the act of striving towards a goal or ideal. For example, "Her life was dedicated to "a pursuit of knowledge"."

What are some alternatives to "a pursuit of"?

Alternatives include "a quest for", "a search for", or "an endeavor to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a pursuit of"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the intentionality and active effort involved in seeking something, especially something abstract or challenging.

Is there a difference between "a pursuit of" and "seeking"?

While similar, "a pursuit of" often implies a more dedicated and focused effort than simply "seeking". "Seeking" can be a more general term for looking for something, whereas "a pursuit of" suggests a committed endeavor.