pursuit of knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pursuit of knowledge" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a journey of learning or a dedication to learning new things. Example sentence: "He devoted his life to the pursuit of knowledge, spending hours every day reading and studying."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"The pursuit of knowledge is paramount," he said.

The New York Times

Were they partners in the diffusion or pursuit of knowledge?

Encyclopedia Britannica

Polanyi's science is self-organising and devoted to the pure pursuit of knowledge.

The Guardian

At one point, Deresiewicz describes the goal of the liberal arts as "the pursuit of knowledge . . .

The New Yorker

Yet was the Enlightenment simply an altruistic mission in pursuit of knowledge?

The New York Times - Arts

"Leisure and the pursuit of knowledge, the connection was inevitable -- to a Greek".

The New York Times

For Socrates, the pursuit of knowledge was as essential as the air we breathe.

The Guardian - Books

Critically, the time that participants are willing to give you in the pursuit of knowledge.

The Guardian

But he was doing completely illegal, dangerous, disgusting things to advance his own pursuit of knowledge".

Independent

A Ph.D. student, teacher, and musician, Stefanos devoted his life to the pursuit of knowledge.

The New York Times

In my supposedly rational pursuit of knowledge, I've gone a little mad.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pursuit of knowledge" to emphasize a continuous and dedicated effort to learn and understand, rather than a one-time acquisition.

Common error

Avoid using "pursuit of knowledge" when you specifically mean the attainment or mastery of knowledge. "Pursuit" implies an ongoing journey, not a final destination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pursuit of knowledge" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage, with numerous examples demonstrating its grammatical soundness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pursuit of knowledge" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It describes the ongoing effort to learn and understand, particularly across news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts. While versatile, "pursuit of knowledge" should be used carefully to distinguish it from the mere possession or achievement of knowledge. Alternatives such as "acquisition of knowledge" or "quest for knowledge" may be more appropriate depending on the intended nuance. Its register ranges from neutral to formal, making it suitable for a broad range of writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquisition of knowledge

Focuses more on the act of obtaining knowledge rather than the ongoing effort.

quest for knowledge

Emphasizes the adventurous and exploratory nature of seeking knowledge.

search for knowledge

Highlights the investigative aspect of finding and understanding information.

exploration of knowledge

Suggests a detailed and thorough examination of a particular field of knowledge.

study of knowledge

Focuses on the systematic and structured learning of a subject.

development of knowledge

Refers to the growth and expansion of understanding over time.

advancement of knowledge

Highlights the progress and improvement in a particular area of understanding.

cultivation of knowledge

Implies a careful and nurturing approach to growing one's understanding.

discovery of knowledge

Emphasizes the finding of new information or insights.

exploration of intellect

Highlights a deep and thorough examination of intellectual pursuits

FAQs

How can I effectively use "pursuit of knowledge" in a sentence?

You can use "pursuit of knowledge" to describe someone's dedication to learning and understanding. For example, "Her life was dedicated to the "pursuit of knowledge", constantly seeking new information and insights."

What are some alternatives to "pursuit of knowledge"?

Some alternatives include "acquisition of knowledge", "quest for knowledge", or "search for knowledge", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "pursuit of knowledge" in formal writing?

Yes, "pursuit of knowledge" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and well-understood phrase that conveys a dedication to learning. It is often found in academic and professional contexts.

What's the difference between "pursuit of knowledge" and "possession of knowledge"?

"Pursuit of knowledge" refers to the active and ongoing process of seeking to learn and understand. "Possession of knowledge" implies having already acquired a certain amount of information or expertise.