explore whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explore whether" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a question exploring the possibility of something being true. For example, "We need to explore whether new technologies can help reduce air pollution".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To explore whether menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) plays a role.

Maturitas

Here we explore whether oxytocin influences how we share knowledge.

Psychoneuroendocrinology

Second, we explore whether there are variables with stochastic trends that could account for firm size.

Research Policy

I am part of a pilot project that will explore whether this idea can work.

The Guardian

They will also explore whether other atoms like calcium may be more accurate than mercury.

The New York Times - Science

In these circumstances, it would be wise to explore whether an acceptable negotiated solution is possible.

The New York Times

Mr. Paterson should explore whether the law already allows him to do that.

The New York Times

The second phase will explore whether the way firms offer annuities help or inhibit shopping around.

The Guardian - Money

Next time, Koenig will explore whether the military should have let Bergdahl enlist.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They explore whether it's best to reduce humans' average height, or weight, or both.

The Guardian

Dr. Heber-Katz's team decided to explore whether their mice could regenerate heart tissue.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "explore whether" when you want to introduce an inquiry or investigation into the possibility of something being true or feasible.

Common error

While "if" and "whether" are sometimes interchangeable, use "whether" when presenting two explicit alternatives or when the possibility is uncertain. Replace "explore if" with "explore whether" for greater precision in formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explore whether" functions as an introductory phrase used to express an inquiry or investigation into a specific condition or possibility. It sets the stage for examining if a particular scenario is true, feasible, or applicable. As Ludwig AI states, it introduces a question exploring the possibility of something being true.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explore whether" serves as an introductory element, signifying an investigation or inquiry into a condition or possibility. Ludwig AI confirms its function of initiating questions about potential truths. Grammatically correct and widely utilized across diverse contexts, this phrase is most commonly found in science and news media sources. Alternatives like "investigate if" or "determine if" can be employed, although "explore whether" is generally considered more formal and grammatically precise. When composing your content, remember that using "explore whether" is best to evaluate the conditions of a specific situation. It's crucial, however, to consider that using "whether" is preferred over "if" in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Investigate if

Replaces "explore" with a more direct term for investigation; "if" substitutes "whether".

Examine if

Similar to "investigate if", but focuses on detailed inspection.

Assess whether

Highlights evaluating the situation before making a judgement.

Consider whether

Focuses on thinking about a particular possibility.

Analyze whether

Focuses on breaking down a subject into smaller parts to understand it.

Determine if

Emphasizes finding a conclusive answer.

Look into if

Suggests a preliminary investigation or inquiry.

Research if

Focuses on a systematic investigation to discover facts.

Check to see if

More informal, emphasizes verification.

See if

Very informal, used for quick checks or simple investigations.

FAQs

How to use "explore whether" in a sentence?

Use "explore whether" to introduce a question or investigation about the possibility of something. For example, "Scientists are trying to "explore whether" climate change is reversible".

What can I say instead of "explore whether"?

You can use alternatives like "investigate if", "examine if", or "determine if" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "explore whether" or "explore if"?

"Explore whether" is generally considered more formal and grammatically precise, especially when two alternatives are explicitly presented. While "explore if" might be acceptable in informal contexts, "explore whether" is preferred in formal writing.

What's the difference between "assess whether" and "explore whether"?

"Assess whether" implies a more evaluative approach, focusing on judging the significance or value of something. "Explore whether" suggests a more open-ended investigation, seeking to understand the possibility or feasibility of something.