pursue understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

"pursue understanding" is a correct and common phrase in written English.
It means to actively seek or strive for knowledge or comprehension. Example sentence: I am determined to pursue understanding in this subject, even if it means staying up late to study.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

We pursue understanding beyond the limitations of existing knowledge, ideology, and disciplinary structure.

Cornell University

"We pursue understanding beyond the limitations of existing knowledge, ideology and disciplinary structure," the mission statement of Cornell University says, and five of its former students seem to have absorbed that methodology, in a fun-house-mirror sort of way.

The New York Times

They pursue understanding, sensing and creating.

Forbes

"These findings have huge implications for how we should pursue understanding what a truly healthy microbiome looks like". .

Science Magazine

Although many pursue understanding of the relationship between protein structure and function for the thrill of pure science, the pay-off in a much broader sense is the ability to manipulate the Earth's chemistry and biology to improve the quality of life for mankind.

Springer

The credo of the DIY-Bio's open source ethos has been expressed thus: "We reject the popular perception that science is only done in million-dollar university, government, or corporate labs; we assert that the right of freedom of inquiry, to do research and pursue understanding under one's own direction, is as fundamental a right as that of free speech or freedom of religion" (Patterson 2010).

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Whatever field of science you are pursuing, understanding how to analyze uncertainty is fundamental, says Crawford-Brown.

Science Magazine

These patterns raise an important question: Can educators increase openness to experience with the possible trickle-down effect of students pursuing, understanding, and finding relevant their science education?

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Chaos explanation, by contrast, pursues understanding by using reduced equations derived through various techniques, though still based on the full nonlinear equations.

SEP

Among the areas the scientists are now pursuing is understanding the process of forgetting.

The Guardian

Receiving the ILR International Programs Travel Grant allowed me to pursue my understanding of international and comparative labor through conversations with women waste workers in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu, India.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pursue understanding", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specific subject or concept understanding is being sought for enhanced clarity.

Common error

While "pursue understanding" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal documents; replace with stronger verbs like "investigate", "analyze", or "explore" for a more impactful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pursue understanding" functions as a verb phrase acting as a descriptor of action, indicating a deliberate effort to gain knowledge or insight. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a valid and frequently used expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

25%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pursue understanding" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the active quest for knowledge and comprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid expression, employed across various contexts including science, news, and academia. When writing, it's important to contextualize the phrase to clearly specify what understanding is being sought. While its usage is generally acceptable, avoiding overuse, especially in formal writing, is advisable. Alternatives like "seek comprehension" or "explore knowledge" may offer more impactful tones depending on the desired nuance. By considering these guidelines, writers can effectively and appropriately use "pursue understanding" to convey the intention of actively seeking knowledge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seek comprehension

Focuses on achieving a thorough grasp of a subject, rather than just the act of pursuing it.

aim for comprehension

Implies setting a specific goal to fully understand a topic.

endeavor to comprehend

Highlights the effort and determination involved in achieving understanding.

work towards insight

Emphasizes the ongoing effort and process of gaining a deeper understanding.

explore knowledge

Suggests a more open-ended and less goal-oriented investigation.

investigate insight

Centers on careful examination and detailed inquiry to gain understanding.

aspire to knowledge

Indicates a high level of ambition and a strong desire to learn.

strive for enlightenment

Implies a deeper, almost spiritual, quest for knowledge and wisdom.

hunt for wisdom

Conveys a more active and persistent search for profound understanding.

chase enlightenment

Suggests a dynamic and relentless pursuit of deeper knowledge and insight.

FAQs

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

You can use "pursue understanding" to describe an active effort to learn and comprehend something. For example, "Scientists often "pursue understanding" of complex phenomena through research and experimentation."

What are some alternatives to "pursue understanding"?

Alternatives include "seek comprehension", "strive for enlightenment", or "explore knowledge", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Pursue understanding" refers to the process of seeking knowledge, while "achieve understanding" refers to the successful attainment of knowledge. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the effort or the result.

What is the difference between "pursue understanding" and "gain knowledge"?

"Pursue understanding" suggests a deeper, more comprehensive grasp of a subject, while "gain knowledge" can refer to acquiring factual information without necessarily achieving full comprehension. Understanding involves making connections and seeing relationships.