pursuing illusions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pursuing illusions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of chasing after unrealistic dreams or false beliefs. Example: "Many people spend their lives pursuing illusions, believing that happiness lies in material wealth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Pearlstein, born in 1924 and now 85, pursued illusion via images of the human body.

The New York Times - Arts

Every billion dollars spent pursuing the illusion of missile defense is a billion dollars that can't be spent securing nuclear materials around the world and on the intelligence and technology needed to reduce the clear and present danger of a loose nuke delivered by truck or ship.

The New York Times

Michel's glory lasts a lifetime: one more member of this Syrian clan who pursues his illusions in Egypt without quite living there.

The New York Times - Books

The more you pursue the illusion of happiness the more you sacrifice the real thing.

The Economist

"I was trying to convince the reader," he says, " and trying to convince myself". It was only in the middle of writing Soldiers of Salamis that he began to realise he needed to pursue the illusion of reality even further, and give the narrator his name.

The Guardian - Books

"Or should you go out and pursue this illusion of separate sovereignty all on your own without these alliances and partnerships that help us shape the rest of the world?" A spokesperson for the Leave.EU campaign last night however said that leaving the EU would give Britain "full, democratic control of its affairs, and a relationship with Europe based on free trade and voluntary co-operation".

Independent

Sometimes it's beguiling to pursue the illusion of perfection--whether it pertains to tributes, our bodies, beauty, work, parenting...That quest can easily paralyze us from taking action.

Huffington Post

Hickman designed illusions for the likes of David Copperfield and Chris Angel before pursuing VR, and the magic industry made him a master of getting spectators to question their reality.

Vice

When he was silent I could recover the illusion I was pursuing.

The New Yorker

At a time when many scientists in the United States and Europe have dismissed the idea of room-temperature fusion as an illusion, Japan is pursuing the field with, if not universal enthusiasm, then at least an open mind.

The New York Times - Science

"Virtual reality allows us to masterfully create illusions for the purpose of pursuing and enjoying utterly unique human experiences," he said.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pursuing illusions", ensure the context clearly indicates the deceptive or unrealistic nature of the goals being chased. This adds depth and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "pursuing illusions" when the goal is simply difficult but achievable. The phrase specifically denotes the pursuit of something fundamentally unreal or deceptive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pursuing illusions" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a verb followed by a noun, typically serving as the direct object. This structure describes the act of chasing after or striving for something that is ultimately unreal or deceptive. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pursuing illusions" describes the act of chasing unrealistic or deceptive goals. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is valid English. The analysis indicates it's grammatically correct and functions as a gerund phrase with a noun, conveying a negative connotation of wasted effort. While considered "Rare" in frequency, its appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its appropriateness in neutral to formal writing. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clarifies the deceptive nature of the pursuits to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chasing fantasies

Replaces "illusions" with "fantasies", emphasizing the unrealistic and imaginative nature of what is being pursued.

seeking delusions

Substitutes "illusions" with "delusions", highlighting the false and often irrational belief at the heart of the pursuit.

chasing mirages

Uses "mirages" instead of "illusions", conveying the deceptive and unattainable nature of the pursuit.

grasping at straws

Implies a desperate attempt to achieve something through flimsy or unlikely means, sharing a sense of futility with "pursuing illusions".

chasing rainbows

Emphasizes the pursuit of something beautiful but ultimately unattainable.

chasing shadows

Highlights the pursuit of something intangible and unreal.

seeking fool's gold

Suggests pursuing something that appears valuable but is ultimately worthless.

striving for the unattainable

Focuses on the inherent impossibility of achieving the desired goal.

aiming for the impossible

Similar to "striving for the unattainable", emphasizing the lack of feasibility.

embarking on a fool's errand

Captures the sense of a pointless and misguided endeavor.

FAQs

What does "pursuing illusions" mean?

The phrase "pursuing illusions" means chasing after something that is not real or achievable, often due to a misunderstanding or deception.

What can I say instead of "pursuing illusions"?

You can use alternatives like "chasing fantasies", "seeking delusions", or "chasing mirages" depending on the context.

Is "pursuing illusions" a negative concept?

Yes, "pursuing illusions" generally carries a negative connotation, implying a wasted effort or a misguided focus on something unattainable or false.

How do I use "pursuing illusions" in a sentence?

You can use "pursuing illusions" to describe someone wasting time or resources on something that won't lead to a positive outcome. For example: "He was "pursuing illusions" of grandeur, ignoring the practical realities of his situation."