What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
follow
Example
I will follow you to the store so that I don't get lost. [follow: verb]
Example
Please follow the instructions carefully to avoid any mistakes. [follow: verb]
Example
The detective decided to follow the suspect to gather more information. [follow: verb]
pursue
Example
The police officer pursued the thief on foot until he caught him. [pursued: past tense]
Example
She decided to pursue a career in medicine after finishing high school. [pursue: verb]
Example
He likes to pursue his passion for photography in his free time. [pursue: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Follow is more commonly used than pursue in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and can be used in both formal and informal situations. Pursue is more commonly used in academic or professional contexts, where it is often used to describe career or educational goals.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between follow and pursue?
While both follow and pursue can be used in both formal and informal contexts, pursue is generally considered more formal and is often used in academic or professional settings to describe specific goals or objectives.
