exploring

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exploring" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of investigating, examining, or traveling through an area or subject to gain knowledge or experience. Example: "The scientists are exploring new methods to combat climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Documentary exploring the cloistered world of Notting Hill's strict Carmelite sisterhood.

The Guardian - Film

At least, he added, Sky and Hope's siblings, Highlander and Burt, who had also been tagged, were still on the wing, exploring the uplands of Dumfries and Galloway, the Yorkshire Dales, the Lake District and the South Pennines.

The Guardian

Others are exploring ways to create products identical to those we currently eat, but without the environmental concerns.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As director of the charity New Harvest, Datar works to connect and rally those exploring all manner of alternatives to conventional, mass-produced animal products.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Kenny is being interviewed by Aboriginal photographer Wayne Quilliam, as part of a photographic exhibition soon to open at the United Nations in Geneva, exploring the race and gender discrimination experienced by Australian Indigenous women.

The Guardian - Arts

Britain was falling in love with coffee just as Adam Fairweather was exploring ideas for new products and materials.

The Guardian

Other options for active visitors include snorkelling – try Deep Bay, where there is a 100-year-old wreck; diving at Cades Reef (jollydive.com); exploring old fortifications such as Fort Berkeley; and taking the ferry to neighbouring Barbuda to see the frigate bird colony, caves and pink-sand beaches.

The Guardian - Travel

A car is a must for exploring this somewhat sprawling island, and handy for picking up groceries to cook in the cottage kitchens – taking taxis will put a good dent in your budget.

The Guardian - Travel

Leaving the mountains, you'll visit Bran Castle - home to the original Count Dracula - before moving on to the Danube Delta where you'll spend a day exploring this wildlife-filled watery maze.

The Guardian - Travel

A good place to start is by exploring the history of immigration and emigration to and from Britain with this lesson plan by Teaching Resources Support, suitable for key stage 3 students.

The Guardian

Located in harbourside Potts Point, this one-bedroom apartment sleeping two makes for a convenient and stylish base for exploring the city.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exploring", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being investigated or discovered. For instance, specify the topic, area, or concept being explored for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "exploring" vaguely. Instead of saying "they are exploring", specify what they are exploring: "They are exploring new marketing strategies."

Linguistic Context

Exploring primarily functions as a present participle, often used to form continuous verb tenses (e.g., "They are exploring") or as a gerund functioning as a noun (e.g., "Exploring new markets is crucial")." Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Travel

20%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "exploring" is a versatile and frequently used present participle, functioning both in continuous verb tenses and as a gerund. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically sound and versatile, showing its frequent use across varied contexts, especially in News & Media, Travel and Lifestyle. Its primary purpose is to describe the process of investigation and discovery, maintaining a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using "exploring", it's advisable to specify the object being explored to enhance clarity. Alternatives include "investigating", "examining", and "researching", depending on the specific nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

investigating

Focuses on a systematic or formal inquiry.

examining

Implies a close and careful inspection or observation.

investigating thoroughly

Highlights the depth and rigor of the investigation.

probing

Suggests a deeper, more penetrating inquiry to uncover hidden aspects.

searching

Indicates a quest to find something, often in a physical or abstract sense.

scouting

Suggests an expedition to gather information or assess a situation, often related to reconnaissance.

surveying

Implies a broad overview or assessment of a large area or topic.

researching

Focuses on systematic study and investigation to discover new knowledge.

venturing into

Highlights the aspect of embarking on a new or unknown endeavor.

delving into

Implies a deep and thorough investigation of a particular subject or topic.

FAQs

How can I use "exploring" in a sentence?

"Exploring" can be used to describe the act of investigating or discovering something, such as "The researchers are "exploring new avenues" in cancer treatment" or "We are "exploring different options" for our next vacation".

What can I say instead of "exploring"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "investigating", "examining", or "researching". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "exploring the option" or "exploring the options"?

Both are correct, but "exploring the options" is generally preferred when there are multiple possibilities being considered. "Exploring the option" is suitable when referring to a single, specific possibility.

What is the difference between "exploring" and "investigating"?

"Exploring" often implies a more open-ended and less structured approach to discovery, while "investigating" suggests a more systematic and formal inquiry. Exploring might involve casually looking around, while investigating implies a focused search for specific information.