pursuing knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pursuing knowledge" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who is actively seeking knowledge, often through education, research, or exploration. For example: "After graduating from college, he decided to keep pursuing knowledge by enrolling in a postgraduate program."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

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

The New York Times

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

And, as higher education continues to bend to the logic of consumption and marketable skills, platitudes about pursuing knowledge for its own sake can seem certifiably bananas.

The New Yorker

That doesn't mean, he added, that universities have to let go of the notion that there is an intrinsic value in enhancing creativity, pursuing knowledge and encouraging qualities, like curiosity and openness to new ideas, that cannot be easily quantified.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

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

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

The Guardian

Higher education is not dependent on the information that students bring with them to college as much as on how well they know how to pursue knowledge.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's dedication to learning, use "pursuing knowledge" to convey a sense of active engagement and continuous effort.

Common error

Avoid using "pursuing knowledge" in overly passive constructions. Instead of "Knowledge is being pursued by the student", prefer "The student is pursuing knowledge" for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pursuing knowledge" functions primarily as a gerund phrase. It often acts as a noun, serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig provides examples where it describes an ongoing action or a general interest in learning.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pursuing knowledge" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that describes an active engagement in learning and understanding. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is used in various contexts, ranging from news articles and scientific publications to encyclopedias. Its register is generally neutral to formal, making it suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic writing. The phrase communicates a sense of dedication to intellectual growth. Remember to use "pursuing knowledge" to clearly express active engagement in the pursuit of learning and deeper understanding. Also consider alternative such as "seeking knowledge" or "gaining understanding", if they better suit your specific goal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeking knowledge

Focuses on the act of searching for knowledge, implying a directed effort.

acquiring knowledge

Emphasizes the gaining or obtaining of knowledge, highlighting the result of the effort.

gaining understanding

Shifts the focus from knowledge itself to the comprehension that comes with it.

expanding one's understanding

Suggests broadening the existing base of comprehension.

deepening one's understanding

Implies exploring a subject in greater detail, achieving a more profound comprehension.

advancing one's learning

Focuses on the progressive aspect of learning and development.

cultivating wisdom

Suggests a more mature and thoughtful approach to learning, seeking not just facts but also insight.

fostering intellect

Focuses on intellectual development.

promoting erudition

Highlights the demonstration of broad and deep knowledge.

committing to lifelong learning

Implies a continuous and dedicated effort to learn throughout life.

FAQs

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

You can use "pursuing knowledge" to describe someone who is actively seeking to learn and understand more about a particular subject or the world in general. For instance, "She is dedicated to "pursuing knowledge" in the field of astrophysics."

What are some alternatives to "pursuing knowledge"?

Alternatives include "seeking knowledge", "acquiring knowledge", or "gaining understanding". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "pursue knowledge" or "pursuing knowledge"?

The choice depends on the grammatical context. "Pursue knowledge" is the imperative or infinitive form, while "pursuing knowledge" is a gerund or present participle. For example, "They actively pursue knowledge" versus "Their focus is on pursuing knowledge".

What is the difference between "pursuing knowledge" and "collecting knowledge"?

"Pursuing knowledge" implies an active and intentional effort to learn and understand, while "collecting knowledge" suggests a more passive accumulation of information. "Pursuing knowledge" involves a deeper engagement with the subject matter than simply collecting facts.