explore the question of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explore the question of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a topic or issue that requires investigation or analysis. Example: "In this paper, we will explore the question of how climate change affects biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Linguistic anthropologists explore the question of how linguistic diversity is related to other kinds of human difference.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I wanted to explore the question of why all this bipartisanship now … and we found a surprising answer that may not necessarily be positive," DuVernay said.

The Guardian - Film

Industrial designers today generally reacted favorably to the fact that Mr. Jobs has continued to explore the question of what a personal computer should look like.

The New York Times

There simply is not the political pressure to explore the question of legality – they have not asked because they don't want the answer".

The Guardian

He does not offer comfort, which would feel, to him, dishonest, and instead sets out to explore the question of how to "live free in this black body".

The New Yorker

Listening to Romney, one sometimes feels trapped in a science-fiction story that has been written to explore the question of whether robots can lie, or be greedy.

The New Yorker

10 P.M. (Science) THROUGH THE WORMHOLE WITH MORGAN FREEMAN Season 4 begins as Mr. Freeman and a team of scientists explore the question of when life begins.

The New York Times - Arts

When we explore the question of what mothers and fathers want from the workplace, we need to consider all the assumptions we bring to those seemingly simple questions.

The New York Times

The authors then explore the question of how employment and value added per employee developed in both sectors from 1990 to 2008.

The New York Times

The presenter's murky past helps this enjoyable documentary explore the question of what drives small fanatics, but the beauty of the programme lies in its affection for the fans.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We explore the questions of what can be gained by using pressure-monitoring wells and what are the limitations given a specific accuracy threshold of the measuring device.

Energy Procedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explore the question of", ensure that the subsequent inquiry is clearly defined and relevant to the context. Avoid vague or overly broad questions.

Common error

While "explore the question of" is generally acceptable, overuse in informal writing can make your text sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "look into" or "consider" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explore the question of" functions as an introductory phrase that sets the stage for an inquiry or investigation. It signals an intent to delve into a specific topic, as supported by Ludwig, indicating its usability for analytical purposes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explore the question of" is a versatile phrase used to introduce an inquiry or investigation. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It is most frequently found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating its suitability for both formal and neutral communication. While it's a common phrase, writers should avoid overuse in informal settings to maintain a natural tone. Alternatives include "investigate the issue of", "examine the subject of", and "delve into the matter of", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Look into the question of

Replaces "explore" with "look into", offering a more casual approach.

Investigate the issue of

Replaces "explore" with "investigate", focusing on a more systematic and detailed inquiry.

Examine the subject of

Uses "examine" instead of "explore", implying a closer and more critical look.

Delve into the matter of

Substitutes "explore" with "delve", suggesting a deeper and more thorough investigation.

Analyze the topic of

Emphasizes a detailed analysis rather than general exploration.

Consider the problem of

Focuses on a specific problem, making the inquiry more targeted.

Address the query of

Changes "explore" to "address" and "question" to "query" making it sound a bit more direct.

Study the aspects of

Focuses on different aspects within the subject.

Inquire into the nature of

Uses "inquire" and "nature" for a more formal and philosophical tone.

Research the area of

Focuses on conducting research within a specific field.

FAQs

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

You can use "explore the question of" to introduce a topic that needs investigation. For example, "This paper will "explore the question of" whether social media impacts political polarization".

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

Some alternatives include "investigate the issue of", "examine the subject of", or "delve into the matter of". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to "explore the question of" or "address the question of"?

"Explore the question of" suggests a broader, more open-ended inquiry, while "address the question of" implies a more direct attempt to answer or resolve a specific query.

What's the difference between "explore the question of" and "consider the question of"?

"Explore the question of" suggests a more in-depth investigation, while "consider the question of" suggests a more thoughtful, but potentially less extensive, examination.