pursues knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pursues knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone who actively seeks to learn or gain understanding in various subjects or fields. Example: "She is a dedicated student who constantly pursues knowledge through reading and attending lectures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

What a graduate has is education acquired at an institution that pursues knowledge for its own sake.

The Guardian

Faced with the reductive tendencies of the "old thinking" Rosenzweig proposes a "new thinking" that pursues knowledge of God, world, and the self in their interrelations, from out of the individual standpoint of the human being in time.

SEP

The doctrine that reason alone is merely the "slave of the passions," i.e., that reason pursues knowledge of abstract and causal relations solely in order to achieve passions' goals and provides no impulse of its own, is defended in the Treatise, but not in the second Enquiry, although in the latter he briefly asserts the doctrine without support.

SEP

Rickert contends that the historical beginnings of philosophy in ancient Greece coincide with the birth of a purely 'theoretical man', that is, of a subject who pursues knowledge for knowledge's sake and in so doing discloses a dimension of totality unknown to natural, practically oriented human subjects (Rickert 1923b).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

A large number, however, are leisure learners pursuing knowledge without explicit vocational ambitions.

The Guardian

But most schools pursue knowledge at the expense of character development and skills development.

The Guardian

She never stopped forming close friendships and pursuing knowledge and adventure.

The New York Times

What is the goal of science and why does man pursue knowledge?

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is, as he says, no overriding right to pursue knowledge for its own sake, quite independently of the consequences.

The New York Times - Books

He offers us little help on how the balance can be struck between pursuing knowledge for its own sake and giving students the saleable skills they surely deserve.

The Guardian - Opinion

In many instances, he writes, researchers were pursuing knowledge for other purposes and only later were their data used to determine if humans had influenced the climate.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "pursues knowledge" with adverbs like "actively", "diligently", or "passionately" to enhance the description of the effort being made.

Common error

Avoid using "pursues knowledge" in casual conversation or informal writing; it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "seeks knowledge" or "tries to learn" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pursues knowledge" functions primarily as a verb phrase + noun combination, where "pursues" acts as a transitive verb with "knowledge" as its direct object. This construction indicates an active and ongoing effort to gain understanding. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pursues knowledge" is a grammatically sound construction used to describe an active and dedicated approach to learning. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and appropriate for use in written English. While more common in formal and academic contexts, such as news articles or scientific papers, it should be used judiciously in informal settings to avoid sounding pretentious. Related phrases, like "seeks knowledge" or "strives for knowledge", can offer alternatives depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using "pursues knowledge", ensure the context warrants the slightly elevated tone and focus on continuous effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeks knowledge

Replaces "pursues" with a more common synonym, slightly reducing the intensity of the action.

strives for knowledge

Emphasizes the effort and ambition involved in gaining knowledge.

is in pursuit of knowledge

Transforms the phrase into a more descriptive and slightly more formal expression.

cultivates knowledge

Suggests a more deliberate and nurturing approach to learning.

acquires knowledge

Focuses on the outcome of gaining knowledge, rather than the process.

chases after knowledge

Conveys a more active and eager pursuit, potentially implying difficulty or elusiveness.

dedicates oneself to learning

Highlights the commitment and personal investment in acquiring knowledge.

devotes time to understanding

Emphasizes the allocation of time and effort towards gaining understanding.

invests in intellectual growth

Presents gaining knowledge as a form of personal investment with long-term benefits.

explores intellectual horizons

Uses a metaphorical expression to suggest a broad and adventurous pursuit of knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "pursues knowledge" in a sentence?

You can use "pursues knowledge" to describe someone who actively seeks learning and understanding. For example: "She is a dedicated student who actively pursues knowledge in various fields."

What are some alternatives to "pursues knowledge"?

Alternatives include "seeks knowledge", "strives for knowledge", or "dedicates oneself to learning", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "pursues knowledge" appropriate for all types of writing?

While grammatically correct, "pursues knowledge" is more suitable for formal and academic writing. In casual contexts, simpler alternatives like "tries to learn" may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "pursues knowledge" and "acquires knowledge"?

"Pursues knowledge" emphasizes the ongoing effort and active search for learning, while "acquires knowledge" focuses more on the outcome of successfully gaining knowledge.