browsing the web

USAGE SUMMARY

"browsing the website" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone visiting or looking through a website. For example: "Paul spent the evening browsing the website for new shoes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Browsing the website is like walking the aisles of the world's supermarkets.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For easy access and to facilitate the visitors experience when browsing, the website also offers an index.

Columbia University

(Or you could get lucky and spot the deal as you're browsing the website).

TechCrunch

Once you are set up in the system, as you are browsing the website and find something you want to purchase, just click once and it's on its way.

Forbes

Another piece to the new Social Fabric system are the real-time alerts, which pop in (usually at the bottom of the page) to show you this same activity as it happens, while you're browsing the website.

TechCrunch

Once live, consumers browsing the website from their mobile phone or tablet will see a store locator option that immediately shows you the nearest stores to your current location, and lets you filter the resulting list by the product you're looking for.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

I started to spend evenings feverishly browsing the websites of companies promising ever more elaborate holiday activities.

The Guardian - Opinion

For feature phone users, the most popular activity was browsing the websites of retailers on their mobile devices.

TechCrunch

But browsing the websites that sell their audio comics can be challenging when you're blind.

Vice

Surveillance use of Facebook occurs when users browse the website to see how their friends are doing compared with their own lives.

Independent

Springer said visitors to the website of Bild, Europe's top-selling tabloid, will be asked to switch off the adblocker or pay a monthly fee of €2.99 (£2.23) to browse the website mostly ad-free.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about general internet use, "browsing the web" is suitable. For more specific actions, consider alternatives like "searching the internet" if the user is looking for something specific.

Common error

Avoid using "browsing the web" when the activity is actually a targeted search. "Browsing" implies a more casual and less directed exploration, while "searching" indicates a specific goal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "browsing the web" functions primarily as a gerund phrase or a verbal phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig indicates that it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "browsing the web" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes the act of casually exploring online content. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not exceptionally frequent, it is commonly found in news, academic, and general web contexts. Alternatives like "surfing the internet" or "exploring online content" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. It's important to differentiate "browsing" from "searching", as the former implies a less targeted activity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surfing the internet

A more casual and general way to describe exploring the internet.

web surfing

A shorter, slightly more informal version of surfing the internet.

exploring online content

Focuses on the content being explored rather than the method.

navigating the internet

Emphasizes the act of moving through different parts of the internet.

exploring websites

More specific, focusing on visiting and looking through different websites.

searching the internet

Implies a more goal-oriented approach, looking for specific information.

accessing online resources

Focuses on the resources available online.

scanning websites

Implies a quick look, not necessarily a thorough exploration.

using the internet

Very broad term, encompasses any activity performed online.

perusing the web

A more formal and less common way to say browsing.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "browsing the web"?

You can use alternatives like "surfing the internet", "exploring online content", or "navigating the internet" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "browsing the web" or should I use another phrase?

"Browsing the web" is perfectly correct and commonly used. Other options like "surfing the internet" are also acceptable, but "browsing the web" is a clear and understandable phrase.

What's the difference between "browsing the web" and "searching the web"?

"Browsing the web" implies a general exploration of online content without a specific goal, while "searching the web" suggests a targeted effort to find particular information. If you're casually exploring, you're browsing; if you're looking for something specific, you're searching.

How can I use "browsing the web" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "Many people spend hours each day browsing the web for entertainment or information."