Chase vs Pursue

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Chase

Top 1,000 (very common) B2 verb

Pursue

Top 2,000 (common) B2 verb

Most common: Chase

	Chase	Pursue
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 /["/tʃeɪs/","/ˈtʃeɪsɪz/","/tʃeɪst/","/ˈtʃeɪsɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/tʃeɪs/","/ˈtʃeɪsɪz/","/tʃeɪst/","/ˈtʃeɪsɪŋ/"]/	🇬🇧 //pəˈsjuː// 🇺🇸 //pərˈsuː//
Meaning	To run after someone or something quickly.	To chase or try to achieve something.
Example	The children love to chase each other in the park.	He decided to pursue a career in medicine.
Register	Neutral	Neutral
How common	Top 1,000 (very common)	Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR level	B2	B2
Part of speech	verb	verb
Collocations	chase a dream, chase after, chase someone away	pursue a goal, pursue a career, pursue an opportunity
Antonyms	flee, avoid, escape	abandon, give up, discontinue
Common mistakes	Confusing with 'chase after' which is less common., Using the wrong tense, e.g., 'chased' instead of 'chase' when describing a continuing action., Using it without an object, e.g., saying 'I chase' instead of 'I chase the cat.'	Confused with 'follow' – 'pursue' implies a more active effort., Using 'pursue' with inanimate objects, instead of actions or goals.
Usage notes	Used when someone is trying to catch something or someone. It's appropriate for most contexts but can be informal if used in phrases like 'chase your dreams.'	Use 'pursue' in neutral or formal contexts, such as academic or professional goals. Avoid in casual conversation.

See it in real clips

Because we have to chase him.

Agatha Christies Poirot › S1 E1

A bit of a wild goose chase, this.

The Wire › S1 E1

I don't want no foot chase.

Because we have to chase him.

Agatha Christies Poirot › S1 E1

A bit of a wild goose chase, this.

Chase

Frequently asked questions: Chase vs Pursue

What's the difference between Chase and Pursue?

Chase: To run after someone or something quickly. Pursue: To chase or try to achieve something.

Which is more common: Chase and Pursue?

Chase is the most common in everyday English.

Are Chase and Pursue the same CEFR level?

Chase: B2, Pursue: B2 on the CEFR scale.

What part of speech are Chase and Pursue?

Chase: verb, Pursue: verb.

Can you show an example of each?

Chase: The children love to chase each other in the park. Pursue: He decided to pursue a career in medicine.

Can I use Chase and Pursue interchangeably?

Not always. Chase and Pursue are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.