pursue that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'pursue that' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to encourage or suggest someone to keep doing the task that they are working on or to keep following the path that they are currently on. For example: "Keep up the hard work and pursue that goal that you have set for yourself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I'll continue to pursue that".

The Guardian

I'm certainly going to pursue that".

Independent

Explore that and pursue that path.

The New Yorker

So I decided to pursue that happiness.

The Guardian

I felt very free in Chicago to pursue that".

The New Yorker

Identify what you are good at and pursue that instead.

The New York Times - Arts

But he decided not to pursue that approach".

The New York Times

He will continue to pursue that agenda at every opportunity.

The New York Times

No need to pursue that description any further.

The New York Times

On Friday, Klinsmann again encouraged him to pursue that goal.

The New York Times

Some will be doubly determined to pursue that strategy now.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pursue that" when you want to suggest continuing with a specific goal, strategy, or line of inquiry that has already been mentioned or is clearly understood in the context.

Common error

Avoid using "pursue that" when the 'that' is ambiguous or unclear. Always ensure the referent is explicitly defined in the preceding context to maintain clarity for your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pursue that" functions as a directive or encouragement to continue striving towards a specific goal or objective. As Ludwig AI indicates, it implies active effort and determination in following a particular path.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pursue that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that encourages continued effort towards a specific, already identified goal or objective. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's a call to action, urging perseverance. Its usage spans various contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains, suggesting a neutral to professional register. Remember to ensure clarity by making the referent of 'that' explicit, especially in writing. Consider alternatives like "chase that" or "strive for that" to subtly shift the emphasis. Keep these considerations in mind to effectively wield the power of "pursue that" in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chase that

Emphasizes active pursuit, often implying excitement or urgency.

follow that

Focuses on adhering to or understanding something already established.

seek that

Suggests a more deliberate and thoughtful search.

strive for that

Highlights effort and determination in achieving a goal.

aim for that

Implies setting a specific target or objective.

work towards that

Focuses on the process and steps taken to reach a goal.

go after that

Suggests aggressive pursuit and overcoming obstacles.

press on with that

Emphasizes perseverance and continuing despite difficulties.

dedicate oneself to that

Highlights commitment and devotion to a cause or goal.

commit to that

Emphasizes a firm decision to support or engage in something.

FAQs

How can I use "pursue that" in a sentence?

Use "pursue that" when referring back to a previously mentioned goal, idea, or course of action. For example, "If you're passionate about coding, "pursue that" with all your energy".

What does "pursue that" mean?

"Pursue that" means to continue to strive for, follow, or work towards a specific goal, idea, or course of action that has already been mentioned or is implied in the context.

Are there formal alternatives to "pursue that"?

In more formal contexts, you can use phrases like "continue with that objective", "advance that strategy", or "endeavor to achieve that". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state what "that" refers to when using "pursue that"?

While not always strictly necessary, explicitly stating what "that" refers to improves clarity and avoids ambiguity. If the context makes the referent clear, it's acceptable to omit it, but when in doubt, specify.