in pursuit

USAGE SUMMARY

"in pursuit" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used to indicate an ongoing search or attempt to obtain or reach something. For example, "The police were in pursuit of the robber."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Jonathan Barnet in pursuit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To be in pursuit.

The New Yorker

Motorcycles tore off in pursuit.

The New Yorker

Nelson set off in pursuit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Scholem was in pursuit of the opposite.

The New Yorker

Teva is in pursuit of Mylan.

The Economist

And not just paparazzi are in pursuit.

The New York Times

"Everyone goes out in pursuit of life.

The New Yorker

The Confederates weren't slow in pursuit.

The New York Times

And there were other officers in pursuit.

The New York Times

She dances off in pursuit of him.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the term, consider whether "in pursuit of" implies a literal chase or a more abstract seeking, and ensure it aligns with the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "in pursuit" in very informal contexts. While generally acceptable, it can sound slightly out of place in casual conversation; consider alternatives like "going after" or "chasing" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in pursuit" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the manner or purpose of an action. Ludwig's examples show it often follows verbs like "set off", "tore off", or "went" to indicate the manner of movement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in pursuit" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe the act of actively seeking or chasing something, be it a physical object or an abstract goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's wise to consider more informal alternatives for casual conversations. When writing, remember that "in pursuit" conveys dynamism and purpose, adding depth to your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in search of

Similar to "seeking", but often implies a longer or more determined search.

chasing after

This alternative suggests a more rapid and less formal pursuit.

going after

This has a slightly more aggressive connotation than "in pursuit".

on the trail of

This suggests following clues or evidence to find something or someone.

seeking

This implies a more general search, not necessarily involving active chasing.

hunting for

Implies a deliberate search, often for something elusive or hidden.

striving for

This focuses on the effort and ambition involved in reaching a goal.

aiming for

This emphasizes the goal itself rather than the act of pursuing.

working towards

This highlights the progressive effort and steps taken to achieve something.

endeavoring to

This is a more formal and often literary way of expressing a purposeful attempt.

FAQs

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

You can use "in pursuit" to describe someone actively chasing a person or object, or figuratively striving for a goal. For example, "The police were "in pursuit" of the suspect", or "She was "in pursuit" of her dreams".

What are some alternatives to using "in pursuit"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "seeking", "chasing after", or "striving for".

Is it more appropriate to say "in pursuit of" or "pursuing"?

"In pursuit of" is a prepositional phrase, while "pursuing" is a verb form. The choice depends on the grammatical structure of your sentence. "She is "pursuing" a degree" uses the verb form, whereas "She is "in pursuit" of a degree" uses the prepositional phrase.

What's the difference between "in pursuit of" and "in search of"?

"In pursuit of" implies a more active chase or striving towards a specific target, whereas "in search of" suggests a more general seeking or exploration. One is "in pursuit" of a known goal, while one is "in search" of something that may not be clearly defined.