explore the unknown

USAGE SUMMARY

"explore the unknown" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in any context where you are referring to a situation that is uncertain or unfamiliar. For example, "The next step in my project is to explore the unknown, and see what I can discover."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And the history of ocean exploration is one that reminds us that we have always longed to explore the unknown, and that innovative and ambitious explorers will push those horizons no matter what.

Huffington Post

In science we explore the unknown.

The New Yorker

The photos feel hopeful, like the dream explore the unknown.

The Washington Post

"Scientific research allows you to explore the unknown," he said.

University of California, Berkeley

I wanted opportunities to explore the unknown, my unknown.

Stanford University

Choosing to explore the unknown rather than avoid it is key to a rich, meaningful life.

University of California, Berkeley

It is much easier and safer for companies to stay with the familiar than to explore the unknown.

Harvard Business Review

Indeed, the nature of scientific research is to explore the unknown and to undertake experiments without knowing the answer.

The New York Times - Science

Take a good look at the building, stroll right around it, then set off to explore the unknown territory that encloses this over-recommended hotspot.

The Guardian

Of course, under capitalism the state's ability to explore the unknown is limited by its priority of making things work for business, or developing a greater war machine.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's much easier and safer for companies to stay with the familiar than to explore the unknown," assert the authors of this article.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "explore the unknown" to convey a sense of adventure and discovery. It is particularly effective when discussing scientific research, personal development, or new business ventures.

Common error

While "explore the unknown" is a vivid phrase, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "investigate the unknown" or "delve into uncharted territory" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explore the unknown" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "explore" acts as the main verb and "the unknown" serves as its object. As Ludwig demonstrates, it frequently appears in sentences describing scientific inquiry or adventurous undertakings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

28%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explore the unknown" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, primarily functioning as a verb phrase that conveys a sense of discovery and investigation. According to Ludwig, this expression sees common usage in news, academic, and scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. While it’s a powerful phrase, remember to vary your language to avoid overuse. From Ludwig's analysis, as well as the authoritative sources provided, it’s evident that this phrase is well-regarded and versatile for describing ventures into unfamiliar territories, both literal and metaphorical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

investigate the unknown

Focuses on a systematic inquiry into what is not yet known.

delve into the unknown

Suggests a deeper, more thorough exploration.

venture into the unknown

Emphasizes the risk and daring involved in approaching the unknown.

examine the unknown

Implies a careful and detailed inspection of the unknown aspects.

study the unknown

Highlights a systematic and scholarly approach to understanding the unknown.

research the unknown

Implies a structured and methodical investigation to discover new knowledge.

chart the unknown

Suggests mapping or defining something that has not been previously documented.

uncover the unknown

Focuses on revealing or discovering something hidden within the unknown.

probe the unknown

Implies a careful and investigative exploration to uncover hidden details.

navigate the unknown

Highlights the process of finding one's way through uncertain or unfamiliar situations.

FAQs

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

You can use "explore the unknown" to describe the act of venturing into unfamiliar areas or subjects. For example, "The purpose of the expedition was to "explore the unknown" depths of the ocean".

What phrases are similar to "explore the unknown"?

Similar phrases include "investigate the unknown", "delve into the unknown", and "venture into the unknown". Each carries a slightly different nuance but conveys a similar sense of discovery.

Is it better to say "explore the unknown" or "explore the unexplored"?

Both phrases are correct, but "explore the unknown" is more general and can refer to abstract concepts as well as physical places. "Explore the unexplored" specifically refers to physical locations or territories that haven't been investigated.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "explore the unknown"?

"Explore the unknown" is appropriate in various contexts, including scientific research, personal development, and business innovation. It effectively conveys a sense of adventure and the pursuit of new knowledge.