passive pursuit

USAGE SUMMARY

"passive pursuit" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing an act of pursuing an objective without actively or aggressively taking action. For example, "After years of passive pursuit, the inventor finally achieved success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A passive pursuit I should say at this point that for me, it hasn't been the wakefulness of the busy executive with his deadlines and to-do lists, or the furious restlessness of the self-employed churning over how to get tomorrow's money today.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But at present there is plenty of room for more.The passive pursuit of profitsIf anyone were able to find active managers who could beat the market year in, year out, it would be institutional investors, ie, pension funds and insurance firms.

The Economist

A moderate effect size was evident for DVD/video viewing, a passive pursuit similar to TV viewing [ 39].

BMC Public Health

For instance, both Avramov and Maskova (2003) and Houben, Audenaert and Mortelmans (2004) regard television-watching as a passive pursuit, even though some programmes offer informative and mentally stimulating content.

Ageing and Society

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The park's lawns, since their restoration, have served millions for both active and passive pursuits.

The New York Times

The phrase "Web surfing" is clearly an extension of such obviously passive pursuits as "channel surfing" and "couch surfing," both of which predate the World Wide Web.

The New York Times - Tech

The picture is about James's need for love, his optimism despite his parents' insanity and his passive-aggressive pursuit of Sarah.

The New York Times

Minaya has never been passive in his pursuit of talent, but you can understand why visualizing positives — this weekend or beyond — wasn't easy after Jason Isringhausen, the one-time Met, completed Piñeiro's shutout to drop the Mets into a first-place divisional tie.

The New York Times

A few years ago, the U.S. Department of Commerce published a study that stated two-thirds of the leading assistive device manufacturers were "passive in their pursuit of new ideas -- or not interested at all".

Huffington Post

In particular, resistance against passive movements, visual pursuit, reaching and grasping, and responses to visual and acoustic stimuli were tested by the same examiner, who did not know of the subjects' presurgical condition.

BioMed Research International

It is the rare boomer who is passive about their own pursuit of happiness, and the unusual parent who doesn't try to ameliorate what looks like unhappiness in their child.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "passive pursuit", ensure the context clearly indicates the lack of active or aggressive action. This prevents misinterpretation of intent.

Common error

Avoid using "passive pursuit" when the context involves active steps or assertive actions, as it creates a contradiction in terms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passive pursuit" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a manner of seeking or striving that lacks direct or forceful action. As Ludwig AI demonstrates, it's commonly used across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "passive pursuit" is a noun phrase that describes seeking something without actively or aggressively trying to obtain it. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While its frequency is relatively rare, it finds relevance in both News & Media and Scientific contexts. To ensure accurate usage, it's important to understand the nuances of the phrase and prevent misinterpretations. Considering these alternatives, you'll effectively communicate the intended meaning, and avoid potential errors. Ludwig's examples show how the phrase is used in different situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inactive chase

Emphasizes the lack of active steps taken in the pursuit.

non-aggressive seeking

Focuses on the absence of forceful or assertive methods.

lethargic hunt

Highlights the slowness and lack of energy in the pursuit.

listless chase

Emphasizes the lack of enthusiasm and energy.

relaxed quest

Suggests a calm and unhurried approach to the goal.

hands-off seeking

Indicates a pursuit where direct involvement is minimal.

unforced quest

The effort is conducted organically and without any external pressure or obligation.

complacent search

Implies a degree of self-satisfaction and lack of urgency.

unassertive endeavor

Focuses on the timid or hesitant nature of the pursuit.

indolent striving

Highlights the laziness or avoidance of effort in the pursuit.

FAQs

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

You can use "passive pursuit" to describe a situation where someone is seeking something without actively trying to get it. For example, "His success was a result of "passive pursuit" rather than aggressive tactics."

What's the difference between "passive pursuit" and "active pursuit"?

"Passive pursuit" implies a lack of direct action, while "active pursuit" suggests assertive and intentional steps are being taken to achieve a goal.

What are some synonyms for "passive pursuit"?

Alternatives to "passive pursuit" include "inactive chase", "lethargic hunt", or "non-aggressive seeking", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "passive pursuit" a common phrase in academic writing?

While "passive pursuit" is understandable, it might be more common to find more specific terms related to the field of study. However, as Ludwig AI provides, you can see this phrase being used in academic writing.