explores

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "explores" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the action of investigating, examining, or looking into something in depth. For example, "The book explores the relationship between nature and humanity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Smith's work explores the difficulties faced by the remote community and also looks at the cultural fabric that remains in the face of those challenges.

The Guardian

The novel explores the dilemmas facing locals consorting with migrants.

The Guardian - Books

Kemp has been commissioned by the adventurous art group Artangel to create a piece which explores the problems and issues men face when they get old.

The Guardian

Mathematician, physicist and writer (1706-1749) Suggested by LessSure LessSure explores the Age of Enlightenment to find the little-known French polymath Émilie du Châtelet.

The Guardian

Directed by Xiao Feng and set in 1943, the film explores the plight of the people of Chongqing as they are bombed by the Japanese.

The Guardian - Film

In Missing (Dance Base, Fri to 24 Aug) he explores the uncertainty and fear that become your world if a loved one becomes lost, and in doing so addresses the wider nature of happiness.

The Guardian

The Museum of London has created a pocket history resource for secondary students, which explores how the city has become one of the most culturally diverse in the world.

The Guardian

Most of the cash is going to the Birmingham Play House for a theatre group touring with Tapestry, a production for 13- 18-year-olds that explores the implications and consequences of extremism, which is getting £10,000.

The Guardian

If you are a photographer, performer, reporter or if you're already an Amnesty activist or fundraiser, you can also win awards for creating something that explores human rights issues – find out more here If you're over 14, join Pocket Protest and we'll text you about urgent actions – you can share your opinion with just a text!

The Guardian

Speaking to the Radio Times about his new series Banished, which explores the lives of early British settlers in Australia, McGovern said that the lack of working-class actors was affecting "the kind of British drama that gets made".

The Guardian

Written by Alun Saunders, A Good Clean Heart explores how national and personal borders are defined by following the lives and fortunes of two brothers, Jay and Hefin, who are raised apart in different families and speaking different languages.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "Explores" is suitable when the subject is about discovery and in-depth analysis. Use more specific verbs like "analyzes", "investigates", or "studies" for greater precision.

Common error

Avoid using "explores" as a vague substitute for simpler verbs like "shows" or "describes". Ensure the context genuinely involves investigation or in-depth analysis to justify its use.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "explores" is as the third-person singular present tense form of the verb "explore". It indicates that a subject is actively investigating, examining, or inquiring into something, as confirmed by Ludwig's AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explores" is a versatile verb form used to describe the act of investigating or examining a topic in depth. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, especially in News & Media. While appropriate for both formal and informal writing, it's crucial to ensure that the subject involves genuine investigation rather than a simple description. For more precise communication, consider alternatives like "investigates" or "analyzes". Keep in mind that while "explores" is widely used, it should accurately reflect the depth and nature of the analysis being described. Use "explores" when you mean a deep dive, not just a description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

investigates

Emphasizes a systematic or formal inquiry into a subject.

examines

Highlights a detailed inspection or scrutiny of something.

studies

Implies a dedicated and methodical approach to learning about a subject.

analyzes

Focuses on breaking down a subject into its constituent parts to understand its nature.

delves into

Suggests a deeper and more thorough exploration of a topic.

looks into

Indicates a less formal and more preliminary investigation.

researches

Emphasizes a systematic investigation to discover or revise facts, theories, etc.

inquires into

Suggests a formal investigation or questioning about a matter.

probes

Implies a thorough and often intrusive investigation.

surveys

Suggests a broad and comprehensive overview of a topic.

FAQs

How is "explores" used in academic writing?

In academic writing, "explores" is frequently used to describe research or analysis that delves deeply into a topic, such as "This study "explores" the impact of climate change on coastal communities".

What are some alternatives to "explores" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "investigates", "examines", or "analyzes" to describe a closer inspection of the topic.

Is "explores" appropriate for formal or informal writing?

"Explores" is generally suitable for both formal and informal writing, though it is more commonly found in formal contexts such as academic papers, news articles, and professional reports.

What's the difference between "explores" and "describes"?

"Describes" provides a surface-level account of something, while "explores" implies a deeper investigation. For example, a summary might describe a phenomenon, but a research paper "explores" the causes and effects of that phenomenon.