General Writing and Grammar Help/pursue, pursuit

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Expert: Jerry Leone - 6/6/2006


Question
Hello Jerry

I always confuse with the two words pursue and pursuit. are they similiar in meanings or usage??? could you explain the differences to me ??

Thanks

Nico

Answer
Nico,

Although both words mean chase or follow, pursue is a verb, to chase or to follow. Pursuit is a noun that means the chase or the act of following.

When you need a verb, use pursue; when you need a noun use pursuit.

Don't pursue me anymore! We will pursue the trust.

The pursuit of gold has killed many. We were in pursuit of the felon when the car flipped over.


Jerry Leone  

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Jerry Leone

Expertise

I`ve taught writing or some aspect of the English language for nearly 35 years. I can answer nearly any question on grammar, usage or meanings of words above dictionary usage. An avid crossword fan and writer, I can also answer questions about business presentations and resumes.

Experience

I have worked with words all my life as a teacher of the language and as an amateur and professional writer. Communication is a vital force in my life and everyone else's.

Organizations
Sigma Delta Chi, NY Press Association, NY Publishers Association

Education/Credentials
BA in English from the University of Buffalo, MEd in English from SUNY Buffalo, MA in English Literature from SUNY Buffalo. Course work in Journalism from Syracuse Univ., in Linguistics from Rutgers Univ. and Journalism from Univ. of Texas and Ohio Univesrity.

Awards and Honors
Chancellor's Award for Excellence Teaching SUNY, Distinguished Teaching Award SUNY Morrisville, Who's Who in American Journalism Education

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