he is pursuing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is pursuing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who is actively seeking or chasing after something, such as a goal, a career, or a relationship. Example: "He is pursuing a degree in environmental science to contribute to sustainability efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is pursuing her.

The New Yorker

And he is pursuing reconciliation with Armenia.

The Economist

He is pursuing the argument in court.

The Guardian - Money

He is pursuing a degree in business.

The New York Times

He is pursuing an M.B.A. at Georgetown.

The New York Times

He is pursuing a master's in photography at Ohio University.

The New York Times

Like Hollingsworth, he is pursuing a master's degree.

The New York Times - Sports

He is pursuing a master's in music education at Columbia.

The New York Times

He is pursuing a doctorate in economics at Princeton.

The New York Times

He is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering (Flexible Option).

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And he is pursuing aggressive policies on immigration.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he is pursuing" to describe someone's actions in a narrative, consider the emotional weight the word carries. It suggests determination and drive. If you are seeking a lighter effect you could use alternatives like "he is seeking" or "he is aiming for".

Common error

Avoid using "he is pursuing" when the action is casual or lacks serious intent. Opt for a more appropriate verb that reflects the actual level of effort or commitment, such as "he is trying" or "he is exploring".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is pursuing" functions as a verb phrase, where "is pursuing" is the present continuous form of the verb "to pursue." It indicates an ongoing action or effort by a male subject. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to describe someone actively working towards a specific goal, such as a degree or a relationship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

28%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is pursuing" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone actively working towards a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure the object of pursuit is clearly defined. For less intense scenarios, consider alternatives like "he is seeking". Overall, "he is pursuing" is a versatile phrase for conveying intention and ongoing effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is seeking

Focuses on the act of looking for or trying to obtain something, similar to pursuing but with less emphasis on active effort.

he is striving for

Emphasizes the effort and determination involved in trying to achieve a goal.

he is aiming for

Highlights the target or objective that someone is trying to reach.

he is working towards

Indicates a continuous effort and progress in the direction of a specific goal.

he is dedicating himself to

Shows a strong commitment and investment of time and energy into a particular activity or goal.

he is engaged in

Suggests active participation and involvement in a particular activity or project.

he is undertaking

Implies a formal commitment to a task or project, often one that is complex or challenging.

he is following

Highlights that someone is tracing steps to achieve a goal.

he is hunting for

Implies searching relentlessly to find something specific.

he is after

Suggests a desire to obtain something, often something that is difficult to get.

FAQs

How can I use "he is pursuing" in a sentence?

"He is pursuing" is used to describe someone actively working towards a goal, degree, career, or even another person. For instance, "He is pursuing a degree in engineering" or "He is pursuing a new business venture".

What are some alternatives to "he is pursuing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "he is seeking", "he is striving for", or "he is aiming for".

Is it better to say "he is pursuing" or "he is trying to achieve"?

"He is pursuing" implies a focused and determined effort. "He is trying to achieve" suggests an attempt but doesn't necessarily convey the same level of commitment. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. For instance, if it's more determined you can also use "he is striving for".

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "he is pursuing"?

It's less appropriate when describing very casual actions or fleeting interests. It's best reserved for situations where someone is making a sustained and deliberate effort. In this case a better fit could be "he is thinking about".