exploring the prospect of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exploring the prospect of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential or possibility of something, often in a formal or academic context. Example: "The researchers are exploring the prospect of renewable energy sources to combat climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Meanwhile, by late January, Flynn's attorneys were again exploring the prospect of refiling under FARA.

The New Yorker

That definitive no turned into a definitive yes this week, however, after Mr. Hynes and his advisers spent weeks quietly exploring the prospect of an unorthodox and seemingly unlikely second campaign.

The New York Times

Other freelance event planners and companies that depended on commission dollars in the past are exploring the prospect of offering other, fee-based services to insulate them from a drop in hotel bookings.

The New York Times

While the likes of Kohlberg Kravis are forcing big banks to uphold their commitment to lend money on deals like First Data at rates that will surely cause them losses, Kohlberg Kravis and others are exploring the prospect of buying some of that debt from the banks at discounted rates.

The New York Times

To properly bulk up their hardware supplies for launch, FreedomPop is trying to get its hands on "tens of thousands" of devices, including old stalwarts like the original HTC Evo 4G and (slightly) newer models like the HTC Evo Design — the company is also exploring the prospect of offering more modern, LTE-capable smartphones, but don't expect to see any of those until well after launch.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"They (Kenyon and Mourinho) played an active role in discussion and explored the prospect of acquiring him (Cole).

The Guardian - Sport

He said that he had explored the prospect of impeachment, but that the time was not right, at least not yet.

The New York Times

A senior Afghan official said that beginning late last year, his government had reached out to a number of Taliban leaders to explore the prospect of a deal.

The New York Times

BRUSSELS — In the first visit to Zimbabwe by a high-ranking European Union delegation since 2002, officials are to meet President Robert Mugabe later this week to explore the prospect of bringing the country in from the cold after years of international isolation.

The New York Times

Speaking in the UAE on Friday, Blatter revealed he hoped to explore the prospect of playing the World Cup in November or December rather than during the heat of summer in Qatar.

Independent

He visited Pyongyang, the North's capital, in December to explore the prospect of talks, but the administration could not decide whether to schedule a follow-up meeting, and then the warship was torpedoed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger, more direct verbs if appropriate for your context. While grammatically correct, the phrase can sometimes sound passive. If active voice enhances clarity, explore alternatives.

Common error

While "exploring the prospect of" is grammatically correct, overuse can lead to passive voice. Instead of "The committee is exploring the prospect of new regulations", consider "The committee is considering new regulations" for a more direct and active sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exploring the prospect of" functions as a verbal phrase introducing the object of investigation or consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid English construction often used to introduce potential future actions or possibilities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exploring the prospect of" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, suitable for various contexts, especially in news, science, and formal communications. While not the most frequent phrase, it effectively conveys the consideration or investigation of a potential future action or possibility. When writing, remember to be specific about what's being explored and consider using stronger verbs for more directness. While grammatically correct, overuse of the phrase might make the text sound passive so be mindful to actively rewrite the expression in more active voice whenever possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considering the possibility of

This alternative focuses on the act of thinking about a potential option or outcome.

investigating the potential for

This phrase emphasizes a more in-depth examination of the likelihood and feasibility of something.

examining the feasibility of

Highlights the process of assessing whether something is practical and achievable.

assessing the chances of

Focuses on evaluating the likelihood or probability of a particular event or outcome.

evaluating the likelihood of

Emphasizes a formal and systematic appraisal of the probability of something happening.

contemplating the idea of

Suggests a thoughtful consideration of a concept or plan.

entertaining the notion of

Implies considering an idea, often one that is new or unconventional.

pondering the option of

Indicates a deeper reflection on a specific choice or alternative.

weighing up the opportunity for

Highlights the process of balancing the advantages and disadvantages of a potential opportunity.

deliberating on the feasibility of

Indicates a careful and thorough discussion or consideration of whether something can be successfully done.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "exploring the prospect of" to sound more formal?

To achieve a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "investigating the potential for" or "examining the feasibility of".

What's a simpler way to say "exploring the prospect of"?

For a simpler alternative, consider using phrases like "considering the possibility of" or simply "thinking about" depending on the context.

Is "exploring the prospect of" always the best choice, or are there situations where it's less appropriate?

While grammatically correct, "exploring the prospect of" can sometimes sound verbose. In situations where brevity is preferred, alternatives like "considering" or "investigating" might be more suitable.

How does "exploring the prospect of" differ from "considering the possibility of"?

"Exploring the prospect of" suggests a more active and in-depth investigation, while "considering the possibility of" implies a more general and initial assessment.