to pursue knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

"to pursue knowledge" is an entirely correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of searching for understanding and wisdom. For example, "I decided to pursue knowledge in the fields of engineering and science."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

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

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

No matter which field of medicine you ultimately choose to pursue, knowledge and skills in psychiatry are critical for your future medical practice.

Yale University

American universities have long struggled to meet almost irreconcilable demands: to be practical as well as transcendent; to assist immediate national needs and to pursue knowledge for its own sake; to both add value and question values.

The New York Times - Books

But he chose the path of rebellion against racist apartheid, which is to say he chose to be on the run, to live underground, to forsake the love of the astonishingly attractive Winnie — and yet all the time to pursue knowledge.

The Washington Post

Encourage them to pursue knowledge, delay gratification, live under their means, and plan for the future.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The panelists also roundly endorsed Stanford GSB's commitment to pursuing knowledge for knowledge's sake, rather than confining faculty research to the immediate needs of the market.

Stanford University

More than 40,000 students, award-winning faculty, and professional staff define the University's values and commitment to pursuing knowledge and educating engaged citizens.

Columbia University

Like the town itself, they exude a timeless elegance and commitment to pursuing knowledge.

Huffington Post

Third, students are taught "how to learn" and pursue knowledge independently, long after their college careers.

Huffington Post

Freedom of professors and students to teach and pursue knowledge without restriction is at the core of higher education.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to pursue knowledge" to highlight a proactive and intentional effort to learn and understand, emphasizing the journey and dedication involved in acquiring information.

Common error

Avoid using "to pursue knowledge" when referring to passive absorption of information. This phrase emphasizes active seeking and investigation, not just receiving facts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to pursue knowledge" functions as an infinitive phrase, often serving as an adverbial of purpose. As noted by Ludwig, it describes the reason or intention behind an action, indicating a deliberate effort to gain understanding. The examples show it modifies verbs, clarifying why someone is undertaking a certain activity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

32%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to pursue knowledge" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase that signifies an active and intentional effort to learn and understand. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is used to describe the purpose behind an action, particularly in academic, scientific, and news-related contexts. Alternatives such as "to seek understanding" or "to delve into learning" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. When using this phrase, it's essential to emphasize the proactive nature of the learning process, rather than passive absorption of information. This phrase's prevalence in reputable sources underscores its reliability and appropriateness for conveying a commitment to intellectual growth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to seek understanding

Focuses on achieving comprehension rather than simply acquiring facts.

to delve into learning

Implies a deeper, more thorough investigation of a subject.

to strive for enlightenment

Suggests a quest for intellectual or spiritual insight.

to chase wisdom

Emphasizes the pursuit of practical and insightful knowledge.

to dedicate oneself to learning

Highlights a commitment and devotion to gaining knowledge.

to explore intellectual horizons

Suggests broadening one's understanding in various fields.

to investigate scholarly fields

Focuses on academic research and study.

to thirst for information

Implies a strong desire and eagerness to learn new things.

to cultivate knowledge

Emphasizes the development and growth of understanding over time.

to hunger for learning

Highlights an intense, almost insatiable desire for knowledge.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "to pursue knowledge" in a sentence?

Use "to pursue knowledge" to describe a deliberate and active effort to gain understanding through study, research, or exploration. For example, "She decided "to pursue knowledge" in astrophysics after being inspired by a documentary".

What are some alternatives to using "to pursue knowledge"?

You can use alternatives such as "to seek understanding", "to delve into learning", or "to strive for enlightenment" depending on the specific context.

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

Both forms are grammatically correct, but "to pursue knowledge" (infinitive form) is often used to express purpose or intention, while "pursuing knowledge" (gerund form) can function as a noun or part of a continuous verb tense. The choice depends on the sentence structure and intended meaning.

What is the difference between "to pursue knowledge" and "to acquire knowledge"?

"To pursue knowledge" emphasizes the active search and journey of learning, while "to acquire knowledge" focuses on the result of gaining information. You "to pursue knowledge", and through that process, you "to acquire knowledge".