Cool MatePursue vs Security's gonna run you down hard
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Pursue
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Security's gonna run you down hard
InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: PursueMost common: Pursue
| Pursue | Security's gonna run you down hard | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //pəˈsjuː//🇺🇸 //pərˈsuː// | 🇬🇧 //sɪˈkjʊə.rɪ.tiz ˈgɒnə rʌn jʊ daʊn hɑːd//🇺🇸 //sɪˈkjʊr.ɪ.tiz ˈɡɑ.nə rʌn jʊ daʊn hɑrd// |
| Meaning | To chase or try to achieve something. | Safety measures will catch up with you strongly. |
| Example | He decided to pursue a career in medicine. | If you don't follow the rules, security's gonna run you down hard. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | pursue a goal, pursue a career, pursue an opportunity | run you down, security measures, catch you, down hard |
| Antonyms | abandon, give up, discontinue | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'follow' – 'pursue' implies a more active effort., Using 'pursue' with inanimate objects, instead of actions or goals. | Mistakenly using 'run down' to mean criticize., Confusing 'run you down' with 'run away'. |
| Usage notes | Use 'pursue' in neutral or formal contexts, such as academic or professional goals. Avoid in casual conversation. | Commonly used in casual conversations. Not appropriate for formal writing or speeches. |
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Frequently asked questions: Pursue vs Security's gonna run you down hard
What's the difference between Pursue and Security's gonna run you down hard?
Pursue: To chase or try to achieve something. Security's gonna run you down hard: Safety measures will catch up with you strongly.
Which is more formal: Pursue and Security's gonna run you down hard?
Pursue is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Pursue and Security's gonna run you down hard?
Pursue is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Pursue: He decided to pursue a career in medicine. Security's gonna run you down hard: If you don't follow the rules, security's gonna run you down hard.
Can I use Pursue and Security's gonna run you down hard interchangeably?
Not always. Pursue and Security's gonna run you down hard 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.