explore the idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"explore the idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that someone investigate or look into something more deeply. For example, "I think we should explore the idea of starting our own business further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I decided to explore the idea further.

The New York Times

Some have their weddings planned, while others are just beginning to explore the idea of marriage.

The New York Times

The superintendent set up a meeting several months ago to explore the idea.

The New York Times

Did you want to explore the idea of normality in this story?

The New Yorker

"So I wanted to explore the idea of what loving someone you can't attain is like".

The New York Times - Tech

In the next month, Yonkers officials plan to hire consultants to explore the idea.

The New York Times

And I think that Vera also wanted to explore the idea of destruction.

The New Yorker

In 1994, they convened a panel of ethicists and social scientists to explore the idea.

The New York Times - Science

He said Labour should explore the idea of nationalising the railways.

The Guardian

"The interesting theme of the sequel is to explore the idea of tradition.

Independent

Ms. Wilson is already making phone calls to explore the idea.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explore the idea", ensure the context provides a clear indication of what aspect of the idea you intend to investigate or consider. Specify whether you are focusing on feasibility, potential benefits, or challenges.

Common error

While "explore the idea" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in formal writing. Opt for stronger verbs such as "investigate", "analyze", or "assess" to convey a more precise and impactful meaning. Also consider nominalizations to make your writing sound more authoritative.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "explore the idea" is as a verb phrase. It functions as the predicate of a sentence, indicating the action of investigating or considering a particular concept. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

24%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explore the idea" is a very common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to suggest the investigation or consideration of a concept. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. While generally neutral in register, its appropriateness can vary depending on the surrounding language. For more formal writing, consider stronger verbs like "investigate" or "analyze" for increased precision. Related phrases include "pursue the idea" and "consider the idea", offering alternative ways to express a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pursue the idea

Focuses on actively following up and working on the idea.

consider the idea

Emphasizes giving the idea some thought and attention.

investigate the concept

Highlights a more thorough and formal examination of the idea.

examine the possibility

Focuses on assessing whether the idea is feasible or viable.

delve into the notion

Suggests a deeper and more detailed exploration.

research the topic

Implies a systematic study to gather information about the idea.

analyze the proposition

Focuses on a detailed examination of a formal suggestion or plan.

assess the feasibility

Emphasizes evaluating the practical aspects of the idea.

evaluate the potential

Highlights judging the future possibilities and benefits of the idea.

scrutinize the theory

Suggests a critical and detailed examination of a theoretical idea.

FAQs

How can I use "explore the idea" in a sentence?

You can use "explore the idea" to suggest investigating something further, as in "Let's explore the idea of expanding our business into new markets".

What are some alternatives to "explore the idea"?

You can use alternatives like "pursue the idea", "consider the idea", or "investigate the concept" depending on the context.

Is it better to "explore the idea" or "research the idea"?

The choice depends on the context. "Explore the idea" suggests a preliminary investigation, while "research the idea" implies a more thorough and systematic study.

What does it mean to "explore the idea" of something?

To "explore the idea" of something means to examine it, consider its potential, and investigate its possibilities.