are pursued

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are pursued" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where actions or goals are being actively sought after or chased. Example: "The opportunities that are pursued by ambitious individuals often lead to success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Leads are pursued.

The New Yorker

Tip-offs are pursued.

The Guardian - Books

Their mystical experiences are pursued in private.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For that, they are pursued relentlessly.

The New York Times

Migrant charges are pursued by hospitals' overseas-visitors offices.

Independent

In the story, the pair are pursued by the head of the man they've killed.

The New Yorker

Leaving Armani on Monday morning, Anna Wintour and her bodyguards are pursued by paparazzi.

The New York Times

This normally occurs when the squids are pursued by predatory fishes and dolphins.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The boys take sweets from the lobby and are pursued down endless corridors by waiters.

The Guardian - Travel

Throughout this inexorably doomed journey they are pursued by a sensitive cop, played by Leslie Grantham.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They are pursued unsuccessfully by the team of Dr. Nader, Ms. Totenburg, and Mr. Clifford.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are pursued", ensure that the subject clearly indicates what is doing the pursuing and what is being pursued to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, "innovative solutions are pursued by forward-thinking companies."

Common error

Avoid using "are pursued" in contexts where the agent performing the action is unclear. Passive voice can obscure who is responsible, leading to confusion. Instead, restructure the sentence to highlight the actor: "Researchers are pursuing new drug targets" is clearer than "New drug targets are pursued."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are pursued" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is the recipient of the action of pursuing. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correct usage in various contexts, from scientific research to news reporting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are pursued" is a commonly used passive verb phrase that effectively describes actions or objectives being actively sought after. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage across diverse contexts, particularly in scientific, news media, and encyclopedic writing. While grammatically correct and frequently used, writers should be mindful of clarity and avoid ambiguity by ensuring the actor is either clearly identified or the emphasis is intentionally placed on what is being pursued. Consider alternatives like ""are sought after"" or ""are chased after"" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are sought after

Focuses on the desirability or value of the objective being pursued.

are chased after

Emphasizes the active effort involved in trying to catch or obtain something.

are strived for

Highlights the effort and ambition put into achieving a goal.

are aimed at

Focuses on the direction or target of the actions.

are worked towards

Implies a gradual and diligent effort toward a specific outcome.

are followed

Indicates adherence to a particular path or course of action.

are undertaken

Highlights the initiation and commitment to a task or project.

are prosecuted

Suggests a formal or legal process of pursuing something.

are quested after

Emphasizes a long and difficult search or journey.

are hunted down

Implies an aggressive and relentless pursuit, often to capture or eliminate.

FAQs

How can I use "are pursued" in a sentence?

You can use "are pursued" to describe goals, strategies, or individuals being actively chased or sought after. For example, "New research avenues are pursued by scientists" or "Refugees are pursued by authorities".

What are some alternatives to "are pursued"?

Alternatives to "are pursued" include "are sought after", "are chased after", or "are strived for" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "pursue"?

The choice between active and passive voice depends on the desired emphasis. Active voice ("Researchers pursue new leads") highlights the actor, while passive voice ("New leads are pursued") emphasizes the object being acted upon.

What is the difference between "are pursued" and "are persecuted"?

"Are pursued" implies a chase or active seeking, while "are persecuted" implies being subjected to harassment or ill-treatment. For example, criminals "are pursued", while minorities might be "are persecuted".