Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

I'm exploring the idea of
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I'm exploring the idea of the 'female loser,' which is new territory for pop.

News & Media

The New York Times - Arts

In a way, I'm exploring the idea of how much we remember when we cover the image itself.

News & Media

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I was exploring the idea of a new "playmate", and I travel through his city frequently.

News & Media

Huffington Post

Last month, the Washington Post said it was exploring the idea of rolling one out in 2013.

News & Media

The Guardian

On another, it's exploring the idea of a female God.

News & Media

The New York Times

It is exploring the idea of naming tube stations after corporations, he says.

News & Media

The Guardian

Meanwhile, Timberland is exploring the idea of buying organic cotton from Haiti.

News & Media

The Guardian

In 1958, Khrushchev was exploring the idea of "peaceful coexistence" with the United States.

News & Media

The New York Times

He has been exploring the idea of "moving all that paper-based material into an app".

News & Media

The Guardian

Mr. Morales said he was exploring the idea of a golf league as well.

News & Media

The New York Times

The Gap is exploring the idea of franchising in China.

News & Media

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with a gerund (e.g. "exploring the idea of moving") or a noun phrase (e.g. "exploring the idea of expansion") for a smooth grammatical flow.

Common error

Do not follow "of" with a "that" clause; for instance, avoid saying "I'm exploring the idea of that we should change." Instead, use a direct noun or a gerund such as "I'm exploring the idea of changing."

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

92%

Authority and reliability

4.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I'm exploring the idea of" functions as a present continuous verb phrase followed by a prepositional object. According to Ludwig, it acts as a transitional structure that connects the subject's current mental state to a specific subject of interest.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Social Media

Wiki

Reference

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "I'm exploring the idea of" is a highly effective phrase for indicating that a project or concept is in its developmental infancy. Data from Ludwig suggests that it is favored by journalists, researchers and business leaders alike because it balances transparency with non-commitment. While it is grammatically sound, writers should be careful to follow the preposition "of" with a gerund or noun rather than a full clause to maintain sentence flow. Whether used in an artistic context to describe a new theme or in a corporate setting to suggest an expansion, the phrase serves as a bridge between initial curiosity and formal action. Its presence in prestigious scientific journals like Nature further confirms its utility as a precise way to describe the starting point of an inquiry.

More alternative expressions(10)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am considering the possibility of

Increases formality and suggests a more cautious approach to the subject.

I'm looking into the concept of

Shifts focus from a general idea to a specific structured concept or framework.

I'm contemplating the notion of

Carries a more reflective or philosophical tone regarding the subject matter.

I am currently assessing the idea of

Adds a professional time-marker and emphasizes the evaluative process.

I'm weighing the pros and cons of

Emphasizes the analytical evaluation and decision-making aspect of the exploration.

I am investigating the potential of

Implies a more rigorous, research-based or scientific pursuit.

I am entertaining the thought of

Suggests a more creative or less committed phase of thinking.

I'm mulling over the idea of

Uses an idiomatic expression that sounds more informal and personal.

I am researching the viability of

Focuses specifically on whether the idea is practical or sustainable in a business context.

I'm testing the waters with

Metaphorically describes an experimental or trial-based approach to the idea.

FAQs

How to use "I'm exploring the idea of" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe an ongoing thought process, such as "I'm exploring the idea of starting a new podcast next year."

What can I say instead of "I'm exploring the idea of"?

You can use more direct alternatives like "I'm considering", "I'm looking into" or "I'm evaluating" depending on your level of commitment.

Is "I'm exploring the idea of" formal enough for a business email?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in professional communication. If you want to sound even more formal, you might try "I am investigating the possibility of".

What's the difference between "I'm exploring the idea of" and "I'm mulling over"?

While both imply thinking, "I'm exploring the idea of" suggests a more active or research-oriented phase, whereas "mulling over" is often more passive and internal.

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

92%

Authority and reliability

4.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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I'm exploring the idea ofGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

I'm exploring the idea of
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples