What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pursue
Example
The police pursued the suspect through the streets. [pursued: past tense]
Example
She decided to pursue a career in medicine. [pursue: verb]
Example
He has been pursuing his passion for photography for years. [pursuing: present participle]
seek
Example
I need to seek out a new job. [seek: verb]
Example
She sought the advice of a financial advisor before investing. [sought: past tense]
Example
He is seeking to improve his language skills. [seeking: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Seek is more commonly used than pursue in everyday language and is more versatile in its usage. Pursue is less common and is often used in more formal or specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pursue and seek?
Pursue is generally considered more formal than seek, and is often used in academic or professional settings. Seek is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
