What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hunted
Example
The hunter hunted deer in the forest. [hunted: past tense]
Example
The police hunted the suspect for weeks before finally catching him. [hunted: past participle]
pursued
Example
The dog pursued the rabbit across the field. [pursued: past tense]
Example
She pursued her dream of becoming a doctor despite facing many obstacles. [pursued: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pursued is more commonly used than hunted in everyday language due to its versatility and wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hunted and pursued?
Both hunted and pursued can be used in formal and informal contexts, although hunted may be less appropriate in certain settings due to its association with hunting animals.