Comprehensive Guide to “Chase”
Chase – Definition and Part of Speech
The word “chase” can serve both as a noun and a verb. As a verb, it typically means to pursue or follow in order to catch, overtake, or kill; or to try hard to get or achieve something. As a noun, it refers to an act of chasing or a pursuit.
Verb Forms:
- Base form: chase
- Third person singular: chases
- Past simple and past participle: chased
- Present participle/gerund: chasing
Noun Usage:
- Singular: a chase (e.g., “The police engaged in the chase.”)
- Plural: chases (e.g., “There were many chases during the game.”)
Core Synonyms
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pursue | To follow someone or something in order to catch them; also used figuratively for striving after goals. | “She decided to pursue her dream of becoming a dancer.” | Formal/Academic |
| Hunt | Often used with animals, but can apply to any determined pursuit. | “They went on a hunt for the missing artifact.” | Informal/Creative Writing |
| Track | To follow or trail someone or something, often leaving clues behind. | “The detective decided to track down the suspect using new evidence.” | Formal/Business |
| Give chase | Specifically means to start pursuing someone or something actively. | “As soon as he saw them break into the car, he gave chase.” | Informal/Casual |
Usage Notes
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Pursue: This term is versatile and can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. In business writing, it might describe following up on leads or goals: “The team will pursue new markets next quarter.”
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Hunt: Often associated with animals or searches, this word evokes a sense of determination or adventure. In creative writing, one could use it to enhance the narrative tension: “They set out at dawn for a hunt that promised discovery and danger.”
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Track: This synonym suggests following signs or clues. It is useful in technical reports or investigative contexts: “The engineers used software tools to track system performance anomalies.”
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Give chase: More informal, this expression conveys immediate action: “When the thief saw the police car behind him, he turned and gave chase.” It’s commonly found in storytelling.
Common Pitfalls
One common confusion with synonyms of “chase” is distinguishing between literal pursuits (hunting or chasing) versus figurative ones (pursuing a goal). For instance, “hunt” might be mistakenly used for abstract goals when “pursue” would be more fitting. Additionally, while “track” often implies following clues rather than physically running after something.
Final Recap
The word “chase,” along with its synonyms such as pursue, hunt, track, and give chase, enriches one’s vocabulary by offering nuances for different kinds of pursuits. Understanding the subtle differences allows for more precise expression across various contexts, from academic discussions to casual conversations.
To master these terms, practice constructing sentences that fit their unique connotations, or try weaving them into a short story or report. This approach will solidify your understanding and ability to choose the most appropriate synonym when needed.