explore

USAGE SUMMARY

"explore" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe an action of investigating or examining something. For example, "He decided to explore the city on foot in order to get to know it better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Technology

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He said Hunter would work with the APY executive to resolve administration problems, and that the South Australian government would "explore all options available to restore stable governance in the APY".

The Guardian

"We can offer a space for shy students to reflect on their experience," says a university spokeswoman, "along with structured time with professional emotional practitioners to explore possible contexts of their shyness, and practical tips and tools, such as mindfulness and CBT".

The Guardian

For a week I schedule a string of yoga and surfing classes and resolve to explore the wonders of Byron Bay.

The Guardian - Travel

It shifts her gaze to the US in 12 stories that explore the experiences of husbands and wives, parents and children, immigrants and permanent residents.

The Guardian

Eggs are also valuable; besides their nutritional worth, they are used in their millions to produce our annual flu vaccines, as well as offering a means to explore embryo development and even test theories of how birds evolved from dinosaurs.

The Guardian - Books

Related: As Apple Watch launches, smartwatch app makers explore new interfaces Libin has owned his Apple Watch for three weeks at the time he meets the Guardian, and says he's finally figured out exactly what it's for, and just as importantly, what it's not for.

The Guardian - Tech

There is no traffic on the island so the best way to explore the stunning Byzantine monasteries and Greek Orthodox churches is by bike or horse-drawn carriage.

The Guardian - Travel

Wildlife Trusts' Nature Finder (Free) Now something for people travelling around the UK in search of the local fauna: an app from the Wildlife Trust with maps and lists of its nature reserves and events – more than 2,000 places and 10,000 events a year – to help you explore the countryside.

The Guardian - Tech

Joined by the comedian Ruby Wax, now the poster girl for the benefits of mindfulness to overcome mental health problems, politicians including former ministers Lord Haworth and Jim Fitzpatrick straightened their spines and focused on their breath at the launch of an all party group to explore the potential for mindfulness in health, education, criminal justice.

The Guardian

With household costs still a big concern for many people, there's never been a better time to explore how this new technology can help people take control of their energy bills.

The Guardian

Immigration has fuelled political and public debate, as opposing views on unrestricted migration within Europe put Britain's future in the EU under the spotlight, so why not explore this subject by looking at the news?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "explore" to convey the sense of discovery and adventure, particularly in travel or creative writing.

Common error

While "explore" is versatile, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing where more precise verbs like "investigate", "analyze", or "examine" might be more appropriate to convey the depth and rigor of the study.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "explore" is a verb, used to describe the act of investigating, examining, or traveling to discover something. As Ludwig shows, it can apply to both physical exploration and intellectual inquiry.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Travel

20%

Technology

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explore" is a versatile verb commonly used to describe the act of investigating, examining, or traveling for discovery. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and travel writing. While versatile, it's important to consider more precise alternatives like "investigate" or "examine" in formal academic contexts. By understanding its nuances and appropriate usage, writers can effectively convey the spirit of inquiry and discovery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

investigate

Focuses on a systematic or formal inquiry.

examine

Implies a close and careful inspection.

delve into

Suggests a deep and thorough investigation.

look into

Indicates a casual form of investigation.

research

Highlights a systematic study to discover facts.

probe

Implies a searching inquiry to uncover hidden information.

scout

Suggests a reconnaissance to gather information.

tour

Focuses on traveling to see a place.

survey

Implies a broad overview or assessment.

traverse

Emphasizes movement across an area.

FAQs

How can I use "explore" in a sentence?

You can use "explore" to describe investigating a topic, like in "The scientists decided to "explore" new avenues for cancer treatment", or to describe traveling, as in "They wanted to "explore" the ancient ruins".

What can I say instead of "explore"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "investigate", "examine", or "delve into" to convey the idea of a thorough search or study.

When is it appropriate to use "explore"?

It's appropriate to use "explore" when referring to an investigation or examination, or when discussing travel and discovery. It suggests a journey, whether physical or intellectual.

What's the difference between "explore" and "discover"?

"Explore" implies a journey or investigation to find something new, while "discover" implies finding something unexpectedly or being the first to find it.