What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pursue
Example
She decided to pursue a career in medicine. [pursue: verb]
Example
He pursued his dreams relentlessly, never giving up. [pursued: past tense]
Example
I like to pursue photography as a hobby. [pursue: verb]
chase
Example
The dog chased the cat around the yard. [chased: past tense]
Example
He chased his dreams with passion and determination. [chased: past participle]
Example
The team is chasing the championship title this season. [chasing: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Chase is more commonly used than pursue in everyday language. Chase is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while pursue is less common and often used in more formal or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pursue and chase?
Pursue is typically associated with a more formal tone, while chase is more informal and casual in tone.