Persuing vs. Pursuing: The Correct Spellings

Persuing is a common misspelling of the correct term, pursuing. The right spelling, pursuing, contains a “u” after the “s,” unlike persuing, which is missing it. Pursuing is the continuous tense form of the verb “pursue,” meaning to follow or chase someone or something with determination and focus.

To avoid the incorrect spelling persuing, it’s crucial to remember the presence of the “u” after the “s” in pursuing. A helpful mnemonic could be associating the “u” with the word “under,” as in pursuing, one is often trying to understand or uncover something.

The word “pursuing,” derived from the Old French word “poursuir,” has been a part of the English language since the late Middle Ages. It is used to denote the action of following or seeking to attain something, commonly a goal, an object, or a person, persistently.

Incorrect: The police were persuing the suspect across multiple states.

Correct: The police were pursuing the suspect across multiple states.

Incorrect: He was persuing a degree in engineering.

Correct: He was pursuing a degree in engineering.

Incorrect: They were persuing happiness in all the wrong places.

Correct: They were pursuing happiness in all the wrong places.

Incorrect: She spent years persuing her dream of becoming a doctor.

Correct: She spent years pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor.

Incorrect: The cat kept persuing the laser pointer, but never caught it.

Correct: The cat kept pursuing the laser pointer, but never caught it.

Pursuing implies continually seeking to attain, accomplish, or obtain something.

Pursuing signifies persisting in any course of action or purpose designed to realize an ambition or a desire.

Pursuing denotes engaging in an activity or interest over time with commitment.

Pursuing refers to the action of following or chasing after someone or something with determination.

Pursuing can also mean performing or carrying out a task, an action, or an endeavor persistently.

To follow in an effort to overtake or capture; chase

To strive to gain or accomplish

To proceed along the course of; follow

To carry further; advance

To take action regarding (something), especially with the intention of sustained effort

To engage in (a vocation or hobby, for example); practice.

To try to have a romantic relationship with

To continue to torment or afflict; haunt

To follow in an effort to overtake or capture; chase.

To take action regarding something or carry on an established activity or project.

present participle of pursue

pursuit

following in order to overtake or capture or as accompaniment to such pursuit;

She's pursuing a degree in veterinary medicine because she loves animals.

The journalist is pursuing a lead on a major political scandal.

She's pursuing a career in law to help those who can't afford legal representation.

After years of pursuing his dream, he finally became a successful artist.

They're pursuing a new strategy to improve the company's performance.

He's pursuing a chance to study abroad next semester.

She's pursuing a role in the school play with great enthusiasm.

The scientist is pursuing a groundbreaking discovery that could change the world.

The athlete is pursuing a spot on the national team for the upcoming Olympics.

The explorer is pursuing ancient ruins in the dense jungle.

He's been pursuing a healthier lifestyle by exercising regularly and eating well.

The detective is pursuing clues to solve the mysterious case.

She's pursuing a personal goal of running a marathon.

Students are pursuing knowledge in their various fields of study.

The agency is pursuing improvements in public transportation.

They're pursuing a dream of opening their own restaurant.

The team is pursuing a victory in the championship game.

She's pursuing a master's degree in education to become a teacher.

The organization is pursuing efforts to aid those affected by the disaster.

They're pursuing a solution to the environmental issue plaguing their community.

He's pursuing a new hobby in photography to capture life's moments.

They're pursuing a more peaceful and fulfilling life in the countryside.

The government is pursuing policies to support renewable energy.

He's pursuing a project that combines technology with art.

The company is pursuing a merger with another leading firm.

Following up on a piece of information or a clue that may result in a discovery or resolution.

While ‘pursuing’ often implies following or chasing someone, it can also refer to seeking to attain goals, engaging in activities or interests, and carrying out tasks or actions persistently.

The word ‘pursuing’ has its origins in the Old French word “poursuir,” and it has been incorporated into English since the late Middle Ages, denoting the act of following or seeking something persistently.

Yes, ‘pursuing’ can denote the continuous effort to attain not only tangible objects or persons but also abstract things like goals, desires, or ideals.

Yes, ‘pursuing’ can also mean performing or carrying out a task, action, or endeavor persistently, in addition to its common meanings of following or seeking.

Yes, ‘pursuing’ is used in legal contexts to denote the act of persistently seeking legal action, justice, or enforcement of rights or claims.

The word ‘pursuing’ itself does not have a negative connotation; however, its connotation can be influenced by the context in which it is used, appearing either negative, positive, or neutral.

While ‘persuing’ is a recognizable misspelling of ‘pursuing,’ it can potentially lead to misunderstandings and disrupt the fluidity of reading, emphasizing the importance of correct spelling.

To correctly spell ‘pursuing,’ remember the “u” following the “s,” associating it with the word “under,” as in pursuing one is often trying to understand or uncover something.

No, the correct spelling is ‘pursuing,’ with a “u” after the “s,” and ‘persuing’ is an incorrect variant, likely due to a common spelling error.

No, the term ‘pursuing’ is versatile and can be used in various contexts and fields, ranging from law enforcement to education, to convey the act of persistently following, seeking, or engaging in something.