pursued

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "pursued" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the act of following after someone or something, either physically or metaphorically. Example sentence: His curiosity pursued him down the street.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One of the narrow circumstances in which capital murder cases are pursued in Kansas includes the intentional killing of more than one person in "the same act or transaction or in two or more acts or transactions connected together or constituting parts of a common scheme or course of conduct".

The Guardian

Farmers had a vested interest in killing foxes, which preyed on their livestock; a hobby rider out for an enjoyable day's riding in the autumn sunshine doesn't really care what is being pursued, a fox or a scented rag.

The Guardian

Ipswich pursued another equaliser and their task should have been made even harder in the 71st minute but Jerome miscued from close range.

The Guardian - Sport

The World Heritage provisions of Australia's federal environmental laws provide these protections, ensure the national interest is pursued in decision-making, and make sure the national government is able to meet its obligations under the World Heritage Convention," Henry wrote on the day the Queensland and federal governments signed the MOU.

The Guardian

It pursued US firms doing business with a Pakistani company with no real ties to terrorism.

The Guardian

Twenty years ago we were not pursued by mobs, tortured by police, or run out of our homes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Shocking game … but don't you think Charles and Fabio Capello look alike?" Do either of them ever regret not having pursued a career as a footballer?

The Guardian - Sport

His aggressive style and the pro-security services policies he pursued as secretary of state for Northern Ireland from 1976 to 1979 were welcomed by unionists as a protection against creeping integration into the whole of Ireland.

The Guardian

Another time, he rode a motorbike around a rugby playing field pursued by police.

The Guardian - Music

The strategy pursued by successive Mexican governments of going after criminal kingpins has resulted in numerous spectacular arrests and takedowns and weakened several important cartels.

The Guardian

Another is chasing tax-dodgers, a campaign pursued by UK Uncut.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pursued" to indicate a sustained effort or action taken to achieve a goal or follow a path. It often implies a deliberate and ongoing process.

Common error

Avoid using "pursued" to describe an action that simply happened without active intent. For example, instead of saying 'He was pursued by bad luck', consider 'Bad luck befell him' or 'He suffered from misfortune'.

Linguistic Context

The word "pursued" functions primarily as the past tense and past participle of the verb "pursue". It describes an action that has been or is being carried out, indicating that someone or something was followed, sought after, or strived for.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

32%

Science

31%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pursued" is a versatile verb form signifying the past tense and past participle of "pursue", indicating an action of following, seeking, or striving. As Ludwig AI explains, the word is grammatically correct and applicable in various contexts, ranging from physical chases to metaphorical endeavors. Predominantly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts, "pursued" carries a neutral register, making it appropriate for diverse communication styles. While the core meaning remains consistent, nuances can be introduced through related phrases like "chased after" or "sought after". When using "pursued", ensure it reflects an active and intentional effort, avoiding its misuse in purely passive scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chased after

Replaces "pursued" with a more informal and action-oriented term, emphasizing the act of chasing.

sought after

Shifts the focus to the act of seeking or desiring something, implying a more intentional search.

hunted for

Emphasizes a more aggressive and relentless search, often used in the context of finding something elusive.

strove for

Highlights the effort and determination involved in trying to achieve something.

aimed for

Focuses on the setting of a target or goal and the subsequent effort to reach it.

endeavored to

Introduces a more formal and deliberate tone, emphasizing the attempt to achieve a specific outcome.

worked towards

Emphasizes the ongoing effort and progress made in the direction of a specific objective.

followed through on

Highlights the completion of an action or plan that was initially started.

pressed on with

Implies a continued effort with determination, especially when facing obstacles.

persevered with

Emphasizes the persistence and determination in continuing with a particular action despite difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "pursued" in a sentence?

You can use "pursued" to describe following a goal, like: "She "pursued her dream" of becoming a doctor". Or to describe chasing someone or something: "The police "pursued the suspect" through the streets".

What are some alternatives to the word "pursued"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "pursued" include "chased after", "sought after", "strove for", or "endeavored to".

What's the difference between "pursued" and "chased"?

"Pursued" often implies a more deliberate and sustained effort, whereas "chased" suggests a more immediate and often physical act of trying to catch someone or something. For example, you "pursued a career" but "chased a ball".

Is it correct to say "pursued of" something?

No, the correct preposition to use with "pursued" is usually a direct object or "pursued by". For example, "He "pursued his goals"" or "He was "pursued by the police"".