it was pursued

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was pursued" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an action or objective that was actively sought after or chased in the past. Example: "The investigation was thorough, and it was pursued with great diligence by the detectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

"It was pursued by an Airacobra, which hung behind it, until somebody came along and swiped the Airacobra.

The New Yorker

"The manner in which it was pursued was, however, high-risk, poorly supervised and inadequately controlled," the report said.

The Guardian - Business

"Whenever an allegation of ticket fixing came to the commissioner's attention, it was pursued I.A.B.," said the spokesman, Paul J. Browne, referring to the Internal Affairs Bureau.

The New York Times

"Whenever an allegation of ticket-fixing came to the commissioner's attention, it was pursued by I.A.B.," said the spokesman, Paul J. Browne, referring to the Internal Affairs Bureau.

The New York Times

But the manner in which it was pursued was an "unconstitutional act," he said, characterizing it as overbroad and calculated to harass.

The New York Times

The best that could be said for his policy towards Northern Ireland was that it was pursued with stability and consistency, producing modestly useful results.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

It did not comment on why it was pursuing its appeal.

The Guardian - Tech

Target announced earlier this month that it was pursuing a similar strategy, adding local shops to its stores for a limited time.

The New York Times

The country's top investigative body said it was pursuing several motives for the killing.

Independent

AT&T previously approached Leap in 2011 while it was pursuing a deal with T-Mobile.

The New York Times

By subpoenaing Mr. Cohen, the government indicated that it was pursuing a case against SAC itself.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was pursued" to describe an action or investigation that was actively and deliberately carried out. For example: "The case was complex, but it was pursued diligently by the legal team."

Common error

Ensure the subject of "it" is clear in the context to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "The matter was brought to their attention and it was pursued", specify: "The matter was brought to their attention and the investigation was pursued."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was pursued" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject (represented by "it") was the recipient of a specific action, that of being pursued. Ludwig examples confirm this structure in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was pursued" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to describe an action or objective that was actively sought after or chased. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Predominantly found in news, science, and formal business contexts, it maintains a neutral to professional tone. When using this phrase, ensure the subject is clear and consider alternatives like "it was sought" or "it was followed" depending on the specific nuance required. The phrase enjoys common usage, making it a reliable choice for various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was sought

Emphasizes the act of actively looking for or desiring something. Changes the verb to highlight the intention behind the pursuit.

it was chased

Implies a more active and energetic pursuit, often involving speed or urgency. Changes the verb to suggest a dynamic following.

it was followed

Suggests a tracking or monitoring action, focusing on the sequence of events. Changes the verb to emphasize a linear progression.

it was investigated

Highlights a systematic and thorough examination, often in the context of a problem or crime. Changes the verb to focus on inquiry and scrutiny.

it was undertaken

Focuses on the initiation and execution of a task or project. Changes the verb to highlight the commitment and responsibility involved.

it was strived for

Emphasizes the effort and determination put into achieving a goal. Adds the preposition 'for' to highlight the target of the pursuit.

it was aimed for

Highlights a specific target or objective that was intended to be achieved. Introduces a goal-oriented perspective.

it was gone after

Suggests a determined and assertive approach to obtaining something. Introduces a more informal and active tone.

it was worked towards

Emphasizes the gradual and incremental progress made towards a specific goal. Highlights the process and effort involved.

it was campaigned for

Highlights public or organized action intended to achieve some objective or advancement. Adds the preposition 'for' to specify the cause.

FAQs

How can I use "it was pursued" in a sentence?

Use "it was pursued" to indicate that a particular action, investigation, or goal was actively followed or strived for. For example: "The lead seemed promising, so "it was pursued" with enthusiasm".

What are some alternatives to "it was pursued"?

Depending on the context, alternatives could include "it was sought", "it was chased", "it was followed", or "it was investigated".

Is "it was pursued" formal or informal?

"It was pursued" is generally considered neutral to formal in tone, suitable for professional, academic, and journalistic contexts. More informal alternatives might exist depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "it was pursued" and "it was persecuted"?

"It was pursued" indicates active and deliberate effort towards a goal, while "it was persecuted" suggests being subjected to persistent mistreatment or harassment.