Are you one of those people who get confused between the words “pursue” and “peruse”? You are not alone! These two words are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two words and help you understand when to use each one.
Let’s clarify which of the two is the proper word to use. Pursue is the correct word to use when you are talking about chasing after something or trying to achieve a goal. On the other hand, peruse is the correct word to use when you are talking about reading something in a thorough or detailed manner.
Now that we have established the proper use of these words, let’s dive deeper into their meanings.
Define Pursue
Pursue is a verb that means to follow or chase after something or someone in order to attain it. It can also refer to the act of striving towards a goal or objective with determination and persistence. In a legal context, pursue can mean to carry out legal proceedings against someone.
Define Peruse
Peruse is a verb that means to examine or read something carefully and in detail. It can also refer to the act of browsing or scanning through something in a casual or relaxed manner. The word peruse is often used to describe the act of reading through documents or texts, such as contracts, books, or reports, with the intention of understanding their content.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Choosing the right word can make a big difference in how your message is received. The words “pursue” and “peruse” are often misused, but with a little guidance, you can easily learn how to use them correctly.
How To Use “Pursue” In A Sentence
The word “pursue” means to follow or chase after something, often with the intention of catching it. It can also mean to strive for a goal or ambition. Here are some examples of how to use “pursue” in a sentence:
- She decided to pursue a career in medicine.
- The police officer pursued the suspect on foot.
- He has been pursuing her for months, but she’s not interested.
As you can see, “pursue” is typically used in the context of actively seeking something or someone. It’s important to note that “pursue” is a transitive verb, which means it requires an object. You can’t simply say “I’m pursuing,” you need to specify what you are pursuing.
How To Use “Peruse” In A Sentence
The word “peruse” means to read something in a thorough or careful manner. It can also mean to examine or look over something in a detailed way. Here are some examples of how to use “peruse” in a sentence:
- She decided to peruse the contract before signing it.
- He spent the afternoon perusing the shelves at the bookstore.
- The lawyer perused the documents for any inconsistencies.
As you can see, “peruse” is typically used in the context of reading or examining something closely. It’s important to note that “peruse” is often misused to mean a quick glance or skim, but this is not the correct usage of the word.
Now that you know the proper usage of “pursue” and “peruse,” you can confidently use these words in your writing and speaking. Remember to always choose your words carefully to ensure your message is clear and effective.
More Examples Of Pursue & Peruse Used In Sentences
In this section, we will provide more examples of how the words “pursue” and “peruse” can be used in sentences. It is important to understand the context in which these words are used to ensure that you are using them correctly in your own writing.
Examples Of Using “Pursue” In A Sentence
- She decided to pursue a career in medicine.
- He was determined to pursue his dreams, no matter the cost.
- They are currently pursuing legal action against the company.
- She pursued her passion for art by taking classes at the local community college.
- The detective was pursuing a lead in the case.
- He pursued her relentlessly, but she was not interested.
- They decided to pursue a more aggressive marketing strategy.
- She was offered a scholarship to pursue her graduate studies.
- He pursued a career in politics, eventually becoming a senator.
- The company is actively pursuing new business opportunities.
Examples Of Using “Peruse” In A Sentence
- She perused the menu before deciding what to order.
- He perused the contract carefully before signing it.
- I like to peruse the bookstore to see what’s new.
- She spent the afternoon perusing the art exhibit.
- He perused the newspaper over breakfast.
- She perused the travel brochure, dreaming of her next vacation.
- He perused the shelves of the library, searching for a good book.
- She perused the online catalog, looking for a new dress.
- He perused the job listings, hoping to find a new opportunity.
- She perused the company’s financial statements, looking for any red flags.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
While pursuing your goals, it’s important to peruse the English language carefully to avoid common mistakes. One of the most frequent errors is using pursue and peruse interchangeably. Although they may sound similar, these words have distinct meanings that should not be confused.
Using Pursue And Peruse Interchangeably
Pursue means to actively seek or strive for something, typically a goal or objective. On the other hand, peruse means to read or examine something carefully and thoroughly. The two words are not synonyms and should not be used interchangeably.
For example, saying “I perused my dreams” is incorrect because dreams cannot be read or examined. The correct sentence would be “I pursued my dreams.” Similarly, saying “I’m going to pursue this book” is incorrect because books cannot be actively sought after. The correct sentence would be “I’m going to peruse this book.”
Tips To Avoid Confusing Pursue And Peruse
- Remember that pursue means to actively seek or strive for something, while peruse means to read or examine something carefully and thoroughly.
- If you’re unsure which word to use, try substituting “actively seek” or “read carefully” in the sentence to see which one makes more sense.
- Read and listen to English language materials to become more familiar with the nuances of words like pursue and peruse.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be able to pursue your goals with confidence and peruse the English language with ease.
Context Matters
Choosing between the words pursue and peruse can be a tricky task as these two words have similar spellings but different meanings. The context in which they are used plays a crucial role in determining which word to use.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts where the choice between pursue and peruse might change:
| Context | Correct Word Choice | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Reading a Book | Peruse | When you are reading a book, you are perusing it. Peruse means to read something carefully and in detail. |
| Job Search | Pursue | When you are looking for a job, you are pursuing it. Pursue means to follow or chase something in order to achieve it. |
| Legal Proceedings | Pursue | In legal proceedings, you pursue a case against someone. Pursue means to continue or proceed with a course of action. |
| Academic Research | Peruse | When you are conducting research, you peruse through various sources of information. Peruse means to examine something carefully or at length. |
In conclusion, the choice between pursue and peruse depends on the context in which they are used. It is important to understand the subtle differences in meaning between these two words in order to use them correctly and effectively.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “pursue” and “peruse” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. Here are a few situations where the rules might not apply:
1. Legal Documents
In legal documents, “peruse” is often used to mean “to read carefully.” This is an exception to the general rule that “peruse” means “to skim or read quickly.” For example, a lawyer might say, “I need to peruse this contract before I sign it.” In this context, the lawyer means that they need to read the contract carefully to make sure they understand all the terms and conditions.
2. Regional Differences
There are some regional differences in how “pursue” and “peruse” are used. For example, in British English, “peruse” is often used to mean “to read carefully,” whereas in American English, it is more commonly used to mean “to skim or read quickly.” Additionally, in some dialects of English, “pursue” is used to mean “to engage in romantic pursuit,” whereas in standard English, it is used more broadly to mean “to follow or chase after.”
3. Colloquial Usage
There are some colloquial uses of “pursue” and “peruse” that don’t follow the strict definitions. For example, someone might say, “I’m going to peruse the mall this afternoon,” meaning that they plan to spend some time browsing the shops. While this usage isn’t technically correct, it is widely understood and accepted in casual conversation.
Practice Exercises
Improving one’s understanding and use of pursue and peruse can take time and practice. Here are some exercises to help:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct word (pursue or peruse) to fill in the blank in the following sentences:
- He decided to __________ his dream of becoming a doctor.
- She likes to __________ the newspaper every morning.
- The detective will __________ all leads in the case.
- He took his time to __________ the menu before ordering.
- She will __________ a career in music.
Answer Key:
- pursue
- peruse
- pursue
- peruse
- pursue
Exercise 2: Sentence Writing
Write a sentence using each of the words below:
| pursue | peruse |
|---|---|
| __________ your dreams | __________ a book |
| __________ a career | __________ a menu |
| __________ a hobby | __________ the newspaper |
Answer Key:
- Pursue your dreams.
- Peruse a book.
- Pursue a career.
- Peruse a menu.
- Pursue a hobby.
- Peruse the newspaper.
By practicing these exercises, readers can improve their understanding and use of pursue and peruse in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context and meaning of each word to choose the correct one.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is evident that there is a significant difference between the words “pursue” and “peruse.” While they are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings that should not be ignored. Pursue refers to actively seeking or striving for something, while peruse refers to reading or examining something carefully.
It is essential to understand the difference between these two words to avoid confusion and miscommunication. Using them correctly can enhance one’s writing and speaking skills, making them more effective communicators.
Key Takeaways
- Pursue and peruse are two words that are often confused.
- Pursue refers to actively seeking or striving for something.
- Peruse refers to reading or examining something carefully.
- Using these words correctly can enhance one’s writing and speaking skills.
Overall, it is crucial to continue learning about proper grammar and language use. By doing so, one can improve their communication skills and avoid common mistakes. As language is constantly evolving, it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and changes.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.