pursued him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pursued him" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when discussing a situation in which someone is actively trying to catch up with or follow another person. Example: The detective pursued him for several blocks, but eventually the suspect managed to slip away.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Literature

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The officers pursued him.

Independent

Colleges pursued him.

The New York Times - Sports

"They pursued him.

The New York Times

I pursued him.

The New Yorker

"I pursued him to the roof.

The New York Times

History, however, had pursued him.

The Guardian - Books

We've actively and aggressively pursued him.

The New York Times

She got up and quickly pursued him.

The New Yorker

In January Barnsley and Doncaster Rovers pursued him.

Independent

He pursued him with all his mind and body".

The New Yorker

Stilicho once more engaged him successfully and pursued him northward.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pursued him", ensure the context clearly indicates who is doing the pursuing and why. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "pursued him" in passive constructions where the pursuer is unclear. For instance, instead of saying 'He was pursued by him', specify 'The detective pursued him' for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pursued him" functions as a verb phrase, where "pursued" is the transitive verb and "him" is the direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, showing examples where it describes someone actively chasing or following another person. It indicates the action of actively trying to catch up with someone.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Sports

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pursued him" is a versatile and grammatically sound verb phrase that vividly describes the act of chasing or following someone. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its usage is widespread and generally accepted. It frequently appears in news reports, narratives, and other forms of writing to depict someone actively attempting to catch up with or engage another person. While alternatives like "followed him" or "chased him" exist, "pursued him" offers a clear and direct way to convey this action, making it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary. Remember to use it in active voice for maximum clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chased after him

Focuses on the act of running after someone to catch them.

gave chase to him

A more formal way of saying 'chased after him'.

followed him closely

Emphasizes proximity and continuous tracking.

went after him

A more general phrase indicating an attempt to engage or catch someone.

hunted him down

Implies a determined and thorough search, often with negative connotations.

tracked him down

Suggests the use of clues or information to find someone.

sought him out

Indicates a deliberate attempt to find someone for a specific purpose.

shadowed him

Implies discreetly following someone, often for surveillance.

dogged his steps

Indicates persistent and relentless following.

stalked him

Suggests obsessive and unwanted pursuit.

FAQs

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

You can use "pursued him" to describe someone actively following or chasing another person. For example, "The police "chased after him" after the robbery".

What are some alternatives to "pursued him"?

Some alternatives include "followed him", "chased him", or "hunted him down", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "pursued him" and "stalked him"?

Yes, "pursued him" generally implies following someone, while "stalked him" suggests obsessive and unwanted pursuit, often causing fear or distress.

When is it appropriate to use "pursued him" in formal writing?

"Pursued him" is appropriate in formal writing when describing an investigation, chase, or determined effort to follow someone. However, consider alternatives like "sought him out" for a more nuanced tone.