I explored

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I explored" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an action of investigating or examining something, whether it be a physical location, an idea, or a concept. Example: "During my vacation, I explored the ancient ruins and learned about their history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unfazed, I explored the options.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At first I explored the town.

The New Yorker

On Tuesday I explored people of color.

The New Yorker

I explored the different companies offering apprenticeships.

The Guardian

I explored the entire island by bike and bus.

The Guardian - Travel

I explored ideologically driven reasoning in a previous blog.

The Guardian

As a kid I explored the sewers of Baltimore.

The Guardian - Travel

AS Sybil grew stronger, I explored more of Happy Valley.

The New York Times - Travel

One week, home sick, I explored the mysterious side two.

The New Yorker

"I thought of that when I explored the basement".

The New York Times

Four I explored on foot; one I canoed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I explored" to describe a personal journey of discovery, whether it's a physical location, a concept, or an idea. For example, "I explored various options before making a decision."

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "I explored" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise verbs like "investigated", "analyzed", or "examined" to convey a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I explored" functions as an independent clause, with "I" as the subject and "explored" as the verb. It indicates a past action of investigating or experiencing something, as supported by Ludwig's numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I explored" is a versatile and frequently used phrase for narrating personal experiences of investigation and discovery. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across different contexts, particularly in news and media, reflecting its neutral register. While suitable for many situations, more formal alternatives like "I investigated" or "I examined" might be preferable in academic or professional writing. Remember to avoid overuse and select the most precise verb to convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I investigated

This alternative implies a more formal and systematic inquiry.

I examined

Suggests a careful and detailed inspection.

I studied

Focuses on learning and understanding through research.

I delved into

Implies a deeper and more thorough exploration.

I researched

Highlights a systematic investigation of a topic.

I ventured into

Suggests entering a new or unknown area.

I surveyed

Indicates a broad overview or examination.

I scouted out

Implies searching for something specific, often in a physical location.

I looked into

Suggests a preliminary investigation or inquiry.

I considered

Focuses on thinking about different possibilities or options.

FAQs

How can I use "I explored" in a sentence?

You can use "I explored" to describe a personal experience of investigating something new. For example, "I explored the city" or "I explored different options".

What's a good alternative to "I explored" in academic writing?

In academic writing, consider using more formal alternatives such as "I investigated", "I analyzed", or "I examined" to convey a more professional tone.

Is it appropriate to use "I explored" in a cover letter?

While acceptable, using stronger action verbs might be more impactful. Consider phrases like "I researched the company's values" or "I investigated industry trends" instead of "I explored".

What is the difference between "I explored" and "I discovered"?

"I explored" implies an active investigation or journey, while "I discovered" suggests finding something unexpectedly or unintentionally. For example, "I explored the city" means you actively walked around, while "I discovered a hidden cafe" means you found it by chance.