pursued by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pursued by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is being chased or followed, often in a dramatic or narrative context. Example: "The hero was pursued by a relentless enemy through the dark forest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Exit, pursued by a bear.

The New Yorker

Enter pursued by a (polar) bear.

Independent

She has been pursued by several stalkers.

The New Yorker

This strategy was pursued by Plato and Gödel.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I exit, pursued by no one.

The Guardian - Arts

He appears haunted, pursued by phantoms.

The Guardian - Film

Arena pursued by a security guard.

The New York Times - Sports

So, Brexit, pursued by a bear.

The Guardian - Opinion

Finally he is pursued by a battleship.

The New Yorker

All are being pursued by major labels.

The New York Times - Arts

Murphy runs on foot, pursued by Waldron.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pursued by" to create a sense of urgency or drama in your writing. This phrase is effective when describing a chase or a relentless pursuit, whether literal or metaphorical.

Common error

Avoid overusing the passive voice with "pursued by", as it can sometimes weaken your writing. Consider whether an active construction might be more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The thief was pursued by the police", try "The police pursued the thief".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pursued by" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used in the passive voice to indicate the agent of an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts. Examples show it describing both literal chases and metaphorical pursuits.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pursued by" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe someone or something being chased or followed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and wikis. While grammatically sound, it's important to consider the active voice for more direct writing. Alternatives include "chased by" and "followed by", each with slight differences in nuance. By understanding its function and register, you can effectively use "pursued by" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chased by

A direct synonym, focusing on the act of chasing.

followed by

Indicates a sequence or consequence, implying a less aggressive following.

hunted by

Suggests a more intense and deliberate pursuit.

stalked by

Implies a secretive and often menacing pursuit.

dogged by

Suggests a persistent and troublesome following.

preceded by

Indicates something that comes before, often in a formal context.

haunted by

Implies a metaphorical pursuit, often by memories or guilt.

besieged by

Suggests being surrounded or overwhelmed by something.

on the run from

Describes the state of someone actively avoiding capture.

fleeing from

Emphasizes the act of escaping something or someone.

FAQs

How can I use "pursued by" in a sentence?

The phrase "pursued by" indicates that someone or something is being chased. For example, "The suspect was "pursued by" the police" or "The company is "pursued by" legal challenges".

What are some alternatives to "pursued by"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "chased by", "followed by", or "hunted by".

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "pursued by"?

While "pursued by" is in the passive voice, consider whether the active voice might be more direct. For example, instead of "The cat was "pursued by" the dog", you could say "The dog "chased" the cat".

What's the difference between "pursued by" and "followed by"?

"Pursued by" implies a more active and often urgent chase, whereas "followed by" suggests a more passive or sequential action.