pursue excellence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'pursue excellence' is correct and is commonly used in written English.
You can use it to refer to striving to achieve an excellent standard in any endeavor, whether it be school, work, or personal projects. For example: "John was determined to pursue excellence in his studies, so he worked hard and got excellent grades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

We pursue excellence and innovate only in those endeavors when it hurts not to be excellent; when that hurt is even greater than the pain of creation.

Huffington Post

Today, black Americans have every advantage to pursue excellence, as Blake's résumé demonstrates.

The New York Times

I'm not saying any mortal could passionately pursue excellence while wholly abandoning the quest for acclaim and its benefits.

The New York Times

I have come to know many who pursue excellence in all areas of their lives: academic, military and physical.

The New York Times

The column misses the idea that people can furiously pursue excellence at both child-rearing and work.

The New York Times

Typical of the hyperbole that makes it so difficult for Indian players to keep their size-10s on the ground and pursue excellence.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

WHEN pursuing excellence, the French rarely search beyond their borders.

The Economist

Discovering and furthering human knowledge – pursuing excellence and extending the possible — is another.

The New York Times

Pixar has built its vast following through the simple but surprisingly rare tactic of pursuing excellence.

The Guardian - Film

"It did mean goodness, but it was also about pursuing excellence," Morales told me.

The New Yorker

In their view, a real sportsman pursued excellence for its own sake.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pursue excellence" to convey a sense of proactive effort and continuous improvement, not just achieving a static goal. For example, "The company culture encourages employees to "pursue excellence" in all aspects of their work."

Common error

Avoid using "pursue excellence" in contexts where it implies unattainable perfection. Instead, focus on the idea of continuous improvement and striving for better outcomes. It's impossible to be perfect, but it is possible to "pursue excellence".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pursue excellence" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a continuous and active effort towards achieving a high standard. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, with examples demonstrating its application across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academic

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pursue excellence" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression signifying a continuous effort to achieve high standards. Ludwig AI's analysis, supported by numerous examples, reveals its frequent use in news, science, and business contexts. While suitable for formal settings, it also appears in more general content. Related phrases include "strive for excellence" and "aim for superior quality". It is important to emphasize continuous improvement rather than unattainable perfection when using this phrase. Remember: It's impossible to be perfect, but it is possible to "pursue excellence".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Strive for excellence

Replaces "pursue" with "strive", emphasizing effort and determination.

Seek to achieve excellence

Replaces "pursue" with "seek to achieve", highlighting the goal-oriented nature of the effort.

Aim for superior quality

Shifts focus to the quality of the outcome rather than the act of pursuing.

Aspire to perfection

Uses "perfection" instead of "excellence", suggesting a higher, potentially unattainable goal.

Dedicate oneself to quality

Emphasizes commitment and devotion to achieving high standards.

Work towards distinction

Focuses on achieving a state of being distinct or outstanding.

Endeavor for top performance

Highlights the effort and the desired level of performance.

Reach for the highest standards

Emphasizes ambition and aiming for the best possible results.

Make an effort to be exceptional

Shifts focus to being exceptional, highlighting the individual's role.

Be committed to high achievement

Stresses dedication and the result of high achievement.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "pursue excellence" in a sentence?

Use "pursue excellence" to emphasize an ongoing effort to improve and achieve high standards in a specific field or activity. For instance, "The team is committed to "pursuing excellence" in customer service."

What are some alternatives to "pursue excellence" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "strive for excellence", "seek to achieve excellence", or "aim for superior quality".

Is it better to say "pursue excellence" or "achieve excellence"?

"Pursue excellence" focuses on the process and ongoing effort, while "achieve excellence" emphasizes the end result. Use "pursue" when highlighting continuous improvement and "achieve" when referring to a specific accomplishment.

What is the difference between "pursue excellence" and "pursue perfection"?

"Pursue excellence" implies striving for high standards and continuous improvement, while "pursue perfection" suggests aiming for an unattainable ideal. Excellence is often seen as a realistic and worthwhile goal, whereas perfection can be demotivating.