an initial exploration of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an initial exploration of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a preliminary investigation or study of a particular topic or subject matter. Example: "This paper presents an initial exploration of the effects of climate change on marine biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

In the predigital photo age, the instant Polaroid image functioned much like a sketchbook does for a painter, as an initial exploration of a composition.

The New York Times

This study therefore attempted an initial exploration of the potential therapeutic mechanisms within art therapy-based groups for work-stress with staff in health and social care.

The Arts in Psychotherapy

We embark on an initial exploration of local factors that, on aggregate, may be of relevance to planning outcomes of proposed windfarms in rural England.

Land Use Policy

However, although the ENCODE catalogues represent a remarkable tour de force, they contain only an initial exploration of the depths of our genome, because many more cell types must yet be investigated.

Nature

We report on a preliminary simulation experiment that evaluates the productivity loss that occurs when the rest break policy is determined based on the work characteristics of a randomly selected subset of employees in the work group, and provides an initial exploration of the nature of optimal policy variables.

Cornell University

This paper provides an initial exploration of the efficacy of an alternate scheme called Quick-Start, which is designed to allow transport protocols to explicitly request permission from the routers along a network path to send at a higher rate than allowed by slow-start.

Computer Networks

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

"Letters from Abbottabad" is an initial exploration and contextualization of 17 documents that will be the grist for future academic debate and discussion.

Cornell University

As an initial exploration, this study provides evidence of the range of restraint practice across Units in Europe.

Intensive and Critical Care Nursing

This study was a valuable initial exploration of the potential of a mentoring scheme to help NMP students reflect on the integration of theoretical prescribing knowledge in to their clinical practice.

BMC Medical Education

As part of an initial exploration into fern genome space, we used a whole genome shotgun sequencing approach to obtain low-density coverage (∼0.4X to 2X) for six fern species from the Polypodiales (Ceratopteris, Pteridium, Polypodium, Cystopteris), Cyatheales (Plagiogyria), and Gleicheniales (Dipteris).

Genome Biology and Evolution

However, if researchers consider the weak points at a design stage, a survey method can be an effective means for initial exploration of the subject allowing to gain pre-understanding especially in the environment, where management accounting is still in a search of its identity, as, for example, is in a case of Russia (Lebedev, 2014).

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an initial exploration of", clearly state the scope and limitations of your analysis to set appropriate expectations for the reader.

Common error

Avoid implying that "an initial exploration of" a topic is a comprehensive study. Ensure your language reflects the preliminary nature of the investigation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an initial exploration of" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It introduces a topic or area that is being examined in a preliminary or exploratory manner, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

74%

Academia

12%

News & Media

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an initial exploration of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase across various domains, particularly in science and academia. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness for introducing preliminary studies or investigations. While versatile, it's essential to use it accurately, reflecting the exploratory nature of the work and avoiding overstatements of its comprehensiveness. Remember, various alternatives exist to fine-tune the message to particular contexts, but ensure consistency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a preliminary investigation into

Replaces "exploration" with "investigation", suggesting a slightly more formal or structured approach.

a pilot study on

Indicates a small-scale, preliminary research project.

an early study of

Substitutes "exploration" with "study", emphasizing a more academic or research-oriented approach.

a primary analysis of

Replaces "exploration" with "analysis", suggesting detailed examination.

a first look at

Uses simpler language, implying a brief or cursory examination.

a basic survey of

Replaces "exploration" with "survey", suggesting a broader but less detailed examination.

a ground-level assessment of

Emphasizes a practical, foundational evaluation.

a surface examination of

Highlights the superficial nature of the investigation.

a trial run of

Suggests testing something for the first time.

a test case for

Implies using something as an example to evaluate its potential.

FAQs

How do I use "an initial exploration of" in a sentence?

You can use "an initial exploration of" to introduce a preliminary study or investigation into a topic. For example, "This paper presents an initial exploration of the effects of social media on political discourse."

What can I say instead of "an initial exploration of"?

You can use alternatives like "a preliminary investigation into", "a first look at", or "an early study of" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "an initial exploration of" in a formal research paper?

Yes, "an initial exploration of" is suitable for formal research papers, especially when introducing a study that is not exhaustive but rather a starting point for further investigation. Ensure you clearly define the scope of your "initial exploration".

What's the difference between "an initial exploration of" and "a comprehensive analysis of"?

"An initial exploration of" suggests a preliminary, often surface-level, investigation. In contrast, "a comprehensive analysis of" implies a thorough, in-depth, and exhaustive examination of the subject matter.