explore the possibility of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'explore the possibility of' is perfectly valid and commonly used in written English.
It is used when you are suggesting that someone look into the likelihood, feasibility, or possibility of something. For example: "Let's explore the possibility of creating a longer-term solution to the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

1. Explore the possibility of a negotiated resolution.

Harvard University

We also explore the possibility of binding participation constraints.

European Economic Review

Last summer the BBC moved to explore the possibility of making the news channel online only.

The Guardian

At least some of them are likely to explore the possibility of flipping, too.

The New Yorker

Coach Jon Gruden said yesterday that he would explore the possibility of signing a receiver.

The New York Times - Sports

Ho says BYD will explore the possibility of local manufacturing if the quantity supplied increases.

The Guardian

He is keen to explore the possibility of closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO).

The Guardian

A Home Office spokesman said that the government would not explore the possibility of repaying applicants.

The Guardian

Motions will explore the possibility of longer consultation times with patients.

The Guardian

(C) Explore the possibility of getting naming rights for other birth control devices?

The New York Times

They have instructed a team of lawyers to explore the possibility of legal action.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add emphasis, replace "explore the possibility of" with stronger synonyms that fit the context better, like "investigate", "assess" or "evaluate" if you wish to signal a deeper dive into an issue.

Common error

Avoid using "explore the possibility of" in excessively passive constructions, as it can weaken the sentence. Instead of saying "The possibility of X will be explored", try "We will explore the possibility of X" for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explore the possibility of" functions as an introductory phrase to suggest an investigation or consideration of a potential action, plan, or solution. As demonstrated in Ludwig, it commonly precedes an infinitive verb, indicating the specific area of investigation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explore the possibility of" is a versatile expression used to propose an investigation or consideration of a potential action. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and widely used across diverse fields. While its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal contexts, writers should aim for sentence structures. To emphasize a more in-depth approach, synonyms like "investigate", "assess" or "evaluate" can be employed. Common sources include The Guardian, The New York Times and Harvard University.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

investigate the potential for

Focuses more on a detailed inquiry or systematic examination of the likelihood of something.

consider the feasibility of

Emphasizes evaluating the practicality and viability of a particular option.

assess the likelihood of

Centers on judging the probability or chance of something occurring.

examine the prospect of

Highlights the outlook or anticipation of a future event or outcome.

evaluate the potential for

Focuses on determining the value or success of something.

look into the chances of

Suggests a casual investigation of the probabilities.

study the option of

Implies a thorough review to determine its usefulness.

delve into the matter of

Indicates a deep and thorough investigation of a specific issue.

weigh up the option of

Involves considering and comparing the advantages and disadvantages of an option.

entertain the idea of

Suggests considering an idea without necessarily committing to it.

FAQs

How can I use "explore the possibility of" in a sentence?

Use "explore the possibility of" when you want to suggest investigating or considering a potential action, plan, or solution. For example: "We should "explore the possibility of expanding" our market share."

What are some alternatives to "explore the possibility of"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "investigate the potential for", "consider the feasibility of", or "assess the likelihood of" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to use "explore the possibility of" or "consider the possibility of"?

Both "explore the possibility of" and "consider the possibility of" are grammatically correct. "Explore" implies a more active investigation, while "consider" suggests a more passive contemplation.

When is it inappropriate to use "explore the possibility of"?

Avoid using "explore the possibility of" if the action is already decided or if the context requires a more decisive tone. In such cases, use more direct phrases like "we will implement" or "we are planning".