The words "follow" and "pursue" are often confused because they both suggest the idea of going after something or someone. However, there are important differences. "Follow" generally implies going after something that is already in motion, while "pursue" suggests a more determined and active effort to achieve a goal, often one that requires more effort and may not be easily obtained. Think of "follow" as passively moving along a path, while "pursue" means actively creating that path.

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference:

• Follow:

  • "I follow my favorite band on social media." (Meaning: I keep up with their posts and activities.)
  • "Follow the instructions carefully." (Meaning: Obey the steps in the order given.)
  • "The dog followed its owner home." (Meaning: The dog went home behind the owner.)

• Pursue:

  • "She is pursuing a career in medicine." (Meaning: She is actively working towards becoming a doctor.)
  • "He is pursuing his dreams." (Meaning: He is actively working to make his dreams a reality.)
  • "The police pursued the suspect." (Meaning: The police actively chased the suspect.)

Notice that "pursue" often involves a more dedicated, intentional effort than "follow." While you might passively "follow" a trend, you actively "pursue" a goal. The word "pursue" suggests a longer term commitment and stronger motivation.

Sometimes the words can be interchangeable, especially when discussing something like following a trail in the woods. However, keep in mind that the meaning behind the words can be different. It is important to consider the context in which each word is used to understand its meaning fully. Happy learning!