exploring if

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exploring if" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the investigation or consideration of a possibility or hypothesis. Example: "The researchers are exploring if the new treatment will be effective in reducing symptoms."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Lifestyle

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"To me, fiction is exploring; if you felt you'd arrived, you'd give up".

The Guardian - Books

It's well worth exploring if you have time, but if you're in a hurry, pause to admire the stunning architecture.

The Guardian - Travel

Their combination is not particularly Venetian, but is particularly wonderful, and worth exploring if you haven't before.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Indeed, Kelman's new collection shows him swerving from his commitment to Glaswegian vernacular and exploring, if a bit tentatively, a wider area of social life.

The New Yorker

"This was the beginning of exploring if something like that could happen," the organizer said, asking to remain anonymous because of the delicacy of the gathering.

The New York Times

Mr. Hariri's offer to consider giving Hezbollah a place in a coalition government is worth exploring — if Hezbollah is ready to forsake violence for democratic politics.

The New York Times

The wider ecosystem on which it has drawn is well worth exploring if you have enjoyed the themes debated in Talking science to power.

The Guardian

But these ideas are still worth exploring, if focused on improving and diversifying neighborhoods and knitting them into the fabric of the city — and if done in collaboration with, and to benefit, residents.

The New York Times - Arts

The theater spokesman, asked about Ms. Stone, said in a statement, "Roundabout is in the casting phase and exploring if the production can come together with the most ideal cast".

The New York Times

Among your different suggestions - fashion PR, freelancing, exploring if you need to sell a kidney to find a graduate job these days (disclaimer: we might have made that up) - there was one particular suggestion which kept cropping up.

The Guardian

Guadeloupe is really a collection of islands: two large ones that make up "the butterfly" and several smaller ones that are well worth exploring if you have the time.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exploring if", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are investigating a possibility or hypothesis, not stating a confirmed fact.

Common error

Avoid replacing "if" with "that" after "exploring". "Exploring that" suggests confirmation, while "exploring if" indicates uncertainty and investigation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exploring if" functions as a conjunction phrase introducing a subordinate clause that expresses a condition or possibility being investigated. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it often appears in scientific and news contexts. The Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Lifestyle

5%

Travel

5%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exploring if" is a grammatically correct and frequently used conjunction phrase that introduces a condition or possibility being investigated. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility allows it to function in diverse contexts, ranging from formal scientific research to neutral news reporting. While alternatives like "investigating whether" or "examining whether" exist, "exploring if" maintains its relevance and utility in contemporary English. Ensure that the context indicates investigation and avoid substituting "if" with "that" to maintain accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

investigating whether

Replaces "exploring" with "investigating", focusing on a formal inquiry.

examining whether

Substitutes "exploring" with "examining", implying a detailed inspection.

considering whether

Replaces "exploring" with "considering", focusing on contemplation of a possibility.

determining whether

Substitutes "exploring" with "determining", implying an effort to establish a fact.

assessing if

Replaces "exploring" with "assessing", focusing on evaluating a condition.

checking to see if

Replaces "exploring" with "checking", implying a less formal investigation.

looking into whether

Substitutes "exploring" with "looking into", implying an informal investigation.

researching whether

Replaces "exploring" with "researching", focusing on systematic investigation.

studying whether

Substitutes "exploring" with "studying", implying detailed analysis.

analyzing if

Replaces "exploring" with "analyzing", focusing on detailed examination for understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "exploring if" in a sentence?

Use "exploring if" to introduce a question or possibility that is being investigated. For example, "The scientists are exploring if the new drug is effective".

What can I say instead of "exploring if"?

You can use alternatives like "investigating whether", "examining whether", or "considering whether" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "exploring that" instead of "exploring if"?

No, "exploring that" implies you are investigating something already known or believed to be true. "Exploring if" indicates you are investigating a possibility or question that is not yet confirmed.

What is the difference between "exploring if" and "determining if"?

"Exploring if" suggests an initial investigation, while "determining whether" implies a more decisive effort to establish a fact.