Cool MateChase vs Pursue vs Security's gonna run you down hard
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Chase
Pursue
Security's gonna run you down hard
| Chase | Pursue | Security's gonna run you down hard | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/tʃeɪs/","/ˈtʃeɪsɪz/","/tʃeɪst/","/ˈtʃeɪsɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/tʃeɪs/","/ˈtʃeɪsɪz/","/tʃeɪst/","/ˈtʃeɪsɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //pəˈsjuː//🇺🇸 //pərˈsuː// | 🇬🇧 //sɪˈkjʊə.rɪ.tiz ˈgɒnə rʌn jʊ daʊn hɑːd//🇺🇸 //sɪˈkjʊr.ɪ.tiz ˈɡɑ.nə rʌn jʊ daʊn hɑrd// |
| Meaning | To run after someone or something quickly. | To chase or try to achieve something. | Safety measures will catch up with you strongly. |
| Example | The children love to chase each other in the park. | He decided to pursue a career in medicine. | If you don't follow the rules, security's gonna run you down hard. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less 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 | run you down, security measures, catch you, down hard |
| 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. | Mistakenly using 'run down' to mean criticize., Confusing 'run you down' with 'run away'. |
| 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. | Commonly used in casual conversations. Not appropriate for formal writing or speeches. |
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Frequently asked questions: Chase vs Pursue vs Security's gonna run you down hard
What's the difference between Chase, Pursue, and Security's gonna run you down hard?
Chase: To run after someone or something quickly. 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 common: Chase, Pursue, and Security's gonna run you down hard?
Chase is the most common in everyday English.
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. Security's gonna run you down hard: If you don't follow the rules, security's gonna run you down hard.
Can I use Chase, Pursue, and Security's gonna run you down hard interchangeably?
Not always. Chase, 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.