pursuing a course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pursuing a course" is correct and can be used in written English.
It generally implies taking action in pursuit of something. Example: "He is pursuing a course of study in economics at university."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

"Like Bonnie and Clyde, they're pursuing a course of ambush through the German public".

The Guardian

As John Flynn wrote in 1944: "The enemy aggressor is always pursuing a course of larceny, murder, rapine and barbarism.

The Guardian

It means supporting a government that is pursuing a course that will lead to a major recession.

The Guardian

At present, he is pursuing a course on Chartered Accountancy from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

Columbia University

A month later the authority, which paid out £1bn last year in compensation – up from £280m in 2001 – was asked about pursuing a course of "mutualisation".

The Guardian

A handful of prisoners were pursuing a course designed to encourage them to think about the consequences to others of their crimes.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Instead, he pursued a course of conduct likely to put his country at risk.

Independent

"They will suspect that rejection is a strategic decision to pursue a course of confrontation, contention and containment".

The New York Times

Nicola travels to Melbourne to pursue a course of alternative treatment that is evidently, to all but her, hokum.

The Guardian - Opinion

Jake majored in anthropology and pursued a course of premed studies; he is now applying to medical schools.

The New York Times

During Europe's refugee crisis, Merkel has pursued a course emphasising universal values rather than pure national interests.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pursuing a course", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific path, study, or action being followed. For instance, specify "pursuing a course of study in medicine" or "pursuing a course of action to resolve the issue."

Common error

Avoid using "pursuing a course" without specifying what the course entails. Without clear context, the phrase becomes vague and lacks impact. For example, instead of saying "He is pursuing a course", specify "He is pursuing a course in advanced mathematics".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pursuing a course" functions as a verbal phrase, indicating the action of actively following or undertaking a specific path, study, or plan. Examples from Ludwig show it used in contexts ranging from academic studies to political strategies.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

32%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pursuing a course" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the action of following a specific path, study, or plan. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally used to indicate focused effort and intent. Analysis reveals that it frequently appears in "News & Media" and "Academia", with a neutral to professional register. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to specify the nature of the "course" being pursued. Common errors include vagueness in defining the specific course. Related phrases include "undertaking a path" and "following a trajectory". The phrase demonstrates versatility across different contexts, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking a direction

Suggests choosing and adopting a specific route or approach.

undertaking a path

Replaces "pursuing" with a synonym that emphasizes the act of starting something.

following a trajectory

Emphasizes direction and movement along a predetermined route.

advancing along a route

Highlights progress and forward movement on a chosen path.

engaging in a program

Focuses on active involvement in a structured activity.

adopting a methodology

Focuses on the application of a specific set of procedures.

embarking on a journey

Implies a longer, more involved undertaking with potential challenges.

commencing a strategy

Highlights the initiation of a planned approach to achieve a goal.

devoting oneself to a plan

Emphasizes commitment and dedication to a particular course of action.

executing a tactic

Focuses on the practical implementation of a specific method or maneuver.

FAQs

How can I use "pursuing a course" in a sentence?

You can use "pursuing a course" to describe someone who is following a specific path of action, study, or treatment. For example, "She is "pursuing a course" in environmental science" or "The government is "pursuing a course" of economic reform".

What are some alternatives to "pursuing a course"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "following a trajectory", "undertaking a path", or "engaging in a program".

Is it correct to say "pursuing in a course"?

No, the correct phrasing is "pursuing a course". The preposition "in" is not needed after "pursuing" in this context.

What is the difference between "pursuing a course" and "taking a course"?

"Pursuing a course" often implies a more deliberate or strategic approach, while "taking a course" generally refers to the act of enrolling in and attending a class.