explore alternatives

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explore alternatives" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of considering different options or solutions in a given situation. Example: "In order to find the best solution to our problem, we should take some time to explore alternatives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The plan must also explore alternatives to dumping dredge materials in the Sound and examine when such alternatives can or must be used.

The New York Times

"We want to explore alternatives".

The New Yorker

"The government must explore alternatives to incarceration," Mr. Eisenberg said.

The New York Times

It also said it would explore alternatives to detention.

The New York Times

Prosecutors and judges could explore alternatives to mass incarceration.

The Economist

At best they can throw up new possibilities and explore alternatives.

The Guardian - Opinion

Full review of sentencing policy and explore alternatives to prison for mentally ill and drug offenders.

The Guardian

The company said it had asked its investment bank to explore alternatives, including a sale.

The New York Times

The dissident shareholders are insisting that Kodak explore alternatives like spinoffs of digital and health care.

The New York Times

Crown Pacific announced in March that it would explore alternatives to increase unitholder value.

The New York Times

The board asked the firm to help evaluate Mr. Green's offer and explore alternatives.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explore alternatives", specify the area or situation where you are seeking alternatives to provide context and clarity. For example, "explore alternatives to traditional marketing methods".

Common error

Avoid using "explore alternatives" without indicating what you are seeking alternatives to. Saying "we need to explore alternatives" lacks direction. Instead, specify the problem or current approach you are trying to improve upon: "we need to explore alternatives to our current budget allocation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explore alternatives" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of investigating or considering different possibilities. Ludwig indicates this is a valid and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explore alternatives" is a versatile phrase used to describe the process of investigating different options or solutions. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in contexts like news, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, it is beneficial to specify the subject area to which the alternatives relate for clarity. Related phrases include "investigate options" and "consider other possibilities". By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "explore alternatives" in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

investigate options

Replaces "explore" with "investigate", implying a more in-depth examination.

consider other possibilities

Substitutes "alternatives" with "possibilities", broadening the scope of options.

look into alternative solutions

Replaces "explore" with "look into" and specifies "solutions" as the type of alternatives.

assess different options

Uses "assess" instead of "explore", emphasizing the evaluation aspect of alternatives.

evaluate various choices

Emphasizes the decision-making aspect, using "evaluate" to examine alternatives.

examine potential substitutes

Focuses on the substitution aspect of alternatives, implying a replacement.

research alternate routes

Highlights the research aspect of finding alternatives, with a slightly different connotation.

delve into different avenues

More metaphorical, suggesting a deeper investigation of alternative paths.

probe other methods

Implies a more rigorous and questioning approach to finding alternatives.

study possible strategies

Focuses on the strategic aspect of alternatives, implying a planned approach.

FAQs

How can I use "explore alternatives" in a sentence?

You can use "explore alternatives" to suggest investigating different options. For example: "The committee will "explore alternatives" to reduce carbon emissions".

What is a more formal way to say "explore alternatives"?

In a formal context, consider using phrases like "investigate options" or "evaluate potential substitutes" to convey a similar meaning as "explore alternatives".

What are some synonyms for "explore alternatives"?

Some synonyms for "explore alternatives" include "consider other possibilities", "look into alternative solutions", or "assess different options".

When should I use "explore alternatives" instead of "make a decision"?

"Explore alternatives" is used when you are in the process of investigating different options, whereas "make a decision" implies that you have already considered the options and are ready to choose one. So first you "explore alternatives", then you make a decision.