Usage: pursue in asking questions

[Sangeetha]

Test No. incompl/inter-23 "Leave me alone", question 8

User: Yes, they would do if you didn't ......... in asking questions.

(a) continue
(b) persist
(c) insist
(d) pursue

Test No. incompl/inter-23 "Leave me alone", answer 8

User: Yes, they would do if you didn't persist in asking questions.

Correct answer: (b) persist

Your answer was: incorrect
User: Yes, they would do if you didn't insist in asking questions.
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hi,
What is wrong with the usage 'pursue in asking questions'???
Wish u help me with this...

regards
Sangeetha

[Alan]

Hi Sangeetha,

In the sentence you need persist in - keep on and on. Pursue is usually followed with a direct object and not another verb as in:

The police pursued(ran after) the thief down the street.

or

She decided to pursue (continue) her studies for another year.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Phrasal Verbs/take