exploratory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exploratory" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is intended to investigate or explore a subject or area, often in research or analysis contexts. Example: "The exploratory study aimed to uncover new insights into consumer behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In 2013, she was charged with (and subsequently cleared of) obstructing the highway and failing to comply with a police request to move when protesting against Cuadrilla's exploratory drilling for shale gas in Balcombe.

The Guardian

Obama took one question that has raised hackles in environmental circles recently, relating to his administration's controversial move earlier this month to allow the oil giant Shell back into the US Arctic for exploratory drilling.

The Guardian

Oil bosses saw the opportunity of mergers that would enable them both to cut costs through removing jobs and offices and increase their oil reserves without the need for costly exploratory drilling.

The Guardian - Business

John Kasich Kasich has reportedly created New Day for America, a tax-exempt nonprofit – a precursor to the launch of the presidential exploratory committee that, one GOP source said, he will formally announce as soon as next week.

The Guardian

Issued by Domestic – a hub for exploratory, leftfield music housing the likes of Mink Freud and Hektagon – it is the amalgam of cultural detritus and dream sequences from one young man's childhood, projected through a science-fiction approach to electronic music-making.

The Guardian - Music

Others used Napster to try before buying, something a company spokesman pointed out when the issue of file-sharing was brought before an exploratory US Senate committee in 2000: "A chorus of studies show that Napster users buy more records as a result of using [the software]." The question was batted about in courtrooms.

The Guardian - Music

Since that heady era, the Upstairs has become more international, and more physically exploratory – sometimes both at once, as in Dominic Cooke's promenade production of Vassily Sigarev's Plasticine, where moving scenery let us explore every nook and cranny of an industrial town in the Urals.

The Guardian

That's the first time Paul Beer knew a gas exploration company had permission to carry out exploratory drilling for gas metres from his Cheshire home.

The Guardian

The coalition government's pre-election infrastructure spending bonanza will continue on Tuesday with announcements on increased spending on social housing, flood defences and exploratory talks for the first lagoon power project.

The Guardian

The games brands my daughter loves are Sega Mini, which has an exploratory feel, and Toca Boca, who do things like Hair Salon.

The Guardian - Tech

There was the usual exploratory sparring for the first 25 minutes or so before Djokovic steadily took the upper hand.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exploratory", ensure it clearly indicates the preliminary and investigative nature of the action or study. For instance, "exploratory research" implies a study aimed at discovering new insights rather than confirming existing hypotheses.

Common error

Avoid using "exploratory" when you mean "explanatory". "Exploratory" means to discover or investigate, while "explanatory" means to explain or clarify. For example, use "explanatory notes" to describe notes that clarify something, not "exploratory notes".

Linguistic Context

The word "exploratory" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that something is intended to explore or investigate. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows numerous examples where "exploratory" precedes nouns such as "drilling", "talks", and "committee".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exploratory" is a versatile adjective used to describe something intended to investigate or explore. It is grammatically sound and very common, primarily appearing in news, business, and scientific contexts. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, highlighting its function in describing preliminary actions or research. While the term is neutral to formal, it is advisable to avoid confusing "exploratory" with similar words like "explanatory". Alternative phrases such as "investigative" or "preliminary" can be used depending on the specific nuance needed. Remember to use "exploratory" to indicate the initial, investigative nature of an action, like "exploratory research".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

investigative

Focuses more on the detailed and systematic examination of something.

preliminary

Emphasizes the initial stage of an investigation or assessment.

probing

Suggests a more active and inquisitive approach to gathering information.

fact-finding

Highlights the process of discovering and verifying information.

scoping

Implies defining the extent and parameters of an investigation.

search

General term referring to looking for something.

trial

Emphasizes testing something new or unknown.

developmental

Focuses on the early stages of growth or advancement.

pilot

Highlights an experimental project or program.

analytical

Involves detailed examination of the elements or structure of something.

FAQs

How can I use "exploratory" in a sentence?

You can use "exploratory" to describe activities or studies that aim to investigate or discover something new. For example, "The company conducted "exploratory drilling" to find new oil reserves".

What's a good substitute for "exploratory"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "investigative", "preliminary", or "probing" as alternatives to "exploratory".

Is it correct to say "exploratory analysis"?

Yes, "exploratory analysis" is a correct and commonly used phrase. It refers to an initial analysis conducted to explore the data and identify potential patterns or relationships.

What's the difference between "exploratory" and "experimental"?

"Exploratory" implies an investigation to discover new information, while "experimental" indicates a test conducted under controlled conditions to validate a hypothesis. An exploratory study might lead to experimental research.