literary pursuits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "literary pursuits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to activities or interests related to literature, such as reading, writing, or studying literary works. Example: "She dedicated her free time to her literary pursuits, often attending book clubs and writing workshops."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

She curtailed her literary pursuits.

Britannica

Thereafter he devoted himself full-time to literary pursuits.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The last 20 years of his life were devoted chiefly to philosophical and literary pursuits.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And he spent his later years mostly in purely literary pursuits.

The New York Times - Arts

As president of the Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres, Argenspentpenthehe rest of his life in literary pursuits.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1787, at the age of 23, she married William Radcliffe, a journalist who encouraged her literary pursuits.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But beginning in the mid-1960s, Mr. Carturnedrned his literary pursuits to a long-held passion — thoroughbred racing.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

But I have never felt that futurology could be a serious literary pursuit.

The New Yorker

His comments quickly triggered an impassioned defence of the (admittedly somewhat niche) literary pursuit from an unlikely source.

Independent

That was when a revolution in methodology led many to believe that economics would at last become a proper science, not a literary pursuit for gentlemen-scholars.

The Economist

This high-profile outing for one of literature's most maligned genres finally shows that fanfiction is a worthwhile literary pursuit.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "literary pursuits" to describe someone's dedication to reading, writing, or studying literature, especially when these activities are a significant part of their life or career. For instance, "After retiring, she dedicated herself to her literary pursuits."

Common error

While "literary pursuits" is a valid and versatile phrase, be mindful of its slightly formal tone. Avoid using it in overly casual conversations or informal writing where simpler terms like "reading" or "writing" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "literary pursuits" functions as a noun phrase that describes activities and interests related to literature. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it often refers to activities like reading, writing, and scholarly study.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "literary pursuits" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes a person's activities and interests related to literature. According to Ludwig, its usage spans across diverse domains such as news, encyclopedias, and academic writing, indicating a versatile yet somewhat formal tone. While alternatives such as "literary endeavors" or "literary activities" exist, "literary pursuits" remains a relevant and effective phrase for expressing dedication to reading, writing, or studying literature. When utilizing this expression, it is best to maintain awareness of the overall context of your text or conversation, as the phrase may be less appropriate in casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

literary endeavors

Replaces "pursuits" with "endeavors", suggesting a more ambitious or effortful engagement with literature.

literary activities

Focuses on the activities themselves, rather than the overall pursuit, implying a range of actions related to literature.

literary interests

Emphasizes personal interest in literature, suggesting a fondness for reading and writing.

writing aspirations

Highlights the ambition to become a writer, focusing on the creative aspect of literary engagement.

scholarly writing

Indicates a more academic or formal approach to writing, often involving research and analysis.

artistic writing

Highlights the creative and artistic aspect of writing, focusing on self-expression and aesthetic appeal.

creative writing

Emphasizes the creative aspect of writing, implying originality and imagination.

intellectual writing

Suggests a focus on complex ideas and critical thinking in writing.

studies of literature

Replaces creative activity with literary study and academics.

literary work

Focuses on the output or product of literary activity, emphasizing the creation of literary pieces.

FAQs

How can I use "literary pursuits" in a sentence?

You can use "literary pursuits" to describe someone's activities related to literature. For example: "His retirement allowed him to fully dedicate himself to his "literary pursuits"." or "She balanced her demanding job with her "literary pursuits", writing in the evenings."

What are some alternatives to "literary pursuits"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "literary endeavors", "literary activities", or "literary interests".

Is "literary pursuits" formal or informal?

"Literary pursuits" is generally considered a slightly formal phrase. While appropriate for academic, professional, or news contexts, it might sound overly sophisticated in casual conversation. In those cases, alternatives like "reading" or "writing" would be more appropriate.

Can "literary pursuits" refer to both reading and writing?

Yes, "literary pursuits" can encompass both reading and writing, as well as other activities related to literature, such as studying literary works, attending book clubs, or participating in writing workshops.