browse

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'browse' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone's activity of casually viewing something, such as scrolling through a webpage or looking at items in a store. For example, "I spent the morning browsing the new shoes at the mall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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The Guardian

Have a browse through the artworks and locally made produce on sale to stretch your legs.

The Guardian - Travel

Only 28% of US and European users have a smartphone that can browse the web, use email and run apps.

The Guardian - Tech

Back in Jade's kitchen, I browse a couple that happen to be lying on her table as she makes another coffee.

The Guardian

As you browse our sites, some of the cookies we place on your computer will be advertising cookies, so we can understand what sort of pages you are interested in We can then display advertising on your browser that is based on these perceived interests.

The Guardian

In fact, a browse through the history of postwar elections in Britain suggests the next parliament will probably be the most fragmented in recent memory.

The Guardian

Then I go to the bookshop for a browse.

The Guardian - Film

If you browse these pages while still also logged in to your account with us, information they collect may be connected to your account on their site.

The Guardian

If the chatter there is just confusing, get down to Orbital, grab a copy of Neo magazine, and browse the DVD range.

The Guardian

Users can browse, tag, share and delete images on their Autographer from their smartphone, as well as creating animated GIFs and stop-frame videos.

The Guardian - Tech

But watches are not the right place to pore over densely packed web pages or browse through apps.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "browse" in the context of online activity, consider specifying what is being browsed (e.g., "browse websites", "browse product catalogs") for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "browse on" when "browse" should be followed directly by the object (e.g., "browse the internet", not "browse on the internet").

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "browse" is as a verb, denoting the action of casually looking through something, often without a specific goal in mind. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard term for navigating websites or examining items in a store. For example, 'I like to browse the shops'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

As evidenced by numerous examples from sources like The Guardian and The Economist, "browse" is a versatile verb for describing casual exploration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It's important to consider the context to ensure accurate usage, especially when choosing between "browse" and alternatives like "scan through" or "examine". Avoiding the incorrect preposition use, such as "browse on", is crucial for clear communication. In summary, "browse" is a reliable and frequently employed term across diverse registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scan through

Emphasizes a quick and superficial examination.

look over

Suggests a more careful, though not necessarily thorough, examination.

peruse

Implies a leisurely and attentive reading or examination.

skim through

Highlights the act of reading or viewing something quickly, noting only the main points.

leaf through

Specifically refers to flipping through the pages of a book or magazine.

flick through

Similar to leafing, but suggests an even quicker and more casual action.

glance at

Indicates a very brief and cursory look.

check out

A more informal way to say "look at" or "examine".

explore

Focuses on discovering or learning about something through examination.

survey

Suggests a broad overview or a general inspection.

FAQs

How can I use "browse" in a sentence?

You can use "browse" to describe casually looking through something, like "I like to "browse" the shops on a Saturday morning" or "Users can "browse" the internet on their phones".

What's a more formal alternative to "browse"?

In more formal contexts, consider using words like "examine", "inspect", or "review" instead of ""browse"", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "browse through" or just "browse"?

Both "browse" and "browse through" are correct, but "browse through" emphasizes the act of casually looking within a collection or set of items.

What's the difference between "browse" and "search"?

"Browse" implies a casual, undirected exploration, while "search" suggests a focused effort to find something specific. You "browse" when you don't know exactly what you're looking for, and search when you do.