exploring whether

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The administration, he said, was exploring "whether another kind of activity would be useful".

The New York Times

Or, are you exploring whether hearing aids will benefit you?

The New York Times

Now the company is exploring whether to restructure or liquidate.

The New York Times

Mr. Petrone said he was exploring whether to seek the Democratic nomination.

The New York Times

He continued: "So therefore we're exploring whether some journalists can work from home.

The Guardian

He suggested the investigation was exploring whether Shahzad had links to international terrorist networks.

The Guardian

Investigators are now exploring whether the cause is linked to any sort of criminal offence.

The Guardian

Researchers have begun exploring whether they can use this protective effect of chilling.

The New York Times - Health

But they went further, exploring whether there was a good explanation.

The New York Times

"We are therefore exploring whether we need to start looking at mergers with valuable data involved".

The New York Times - Tech

Isn't that worth exploring, whether or not one believes in the Resurrection?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exploring whether" when you want to convey a sense of active investigation or consideration of different possibilities. It's suitable for contexts where outcomes are uncertain and require further examination.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "exploring whether" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "checking if" or "seeing if" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exploring whether" functions as a connector, introducing a subordinate clause that expresses a question or a condition under investigation. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exploring whether" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to introduce an investigation, consideration, or examination of a possibility, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most commonly found in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and opt for simpler alternatives in informal settings. As Ludwig AI suggests, using it signals uncertainty and a need for further analysis. Its high source quality and consistent usage further solidify its reliability in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

investigating if

Focuses more directly on the act of investigating a specific condition.

examining whether

Emphasizes a detailed inspection or analysis to determine something.

considering if

Implies a thoughtful evaluation of a situation or possibility.

assessing if

Focuses on evaluating the potential or condition of something.

determining whether

Stresses the act of finding out definitively if something is the case.

looking into if

Suggests a preliminary investigation or inquiry.

checking if

Implies a simple verification or confirmation of a condition.

researching whether

Emphasizes a systematic investigation to discover facts.

studying if

Suggests a focused and detailed examination of a topic.

probing if

Implies a deep and thorough investigation, often into sensitive matters.

FAQs

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

You can use "exploring whether" to introduce an inquiry or investigation into a particular possibility. For example, "The team is exploring whether the new strategy will increase sales."

What are some alternatives to "exploring whether"?

Alternatives include "investigating if", "examining whether", or "considering if", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "exploring whether"?

"Exploring whether" is appropriate in formal writing and when discussing investigations, research, or serious considerations. It's often used in academic, professional, and news contexts.

Is there a difference between "exploring whether" and "investigating whether"?

While similar, "exploring whether" suggests a broader, less structured inquiry, while "investigating whether" implies a more systematic and focused examination. The choice depends on the level of formality and the nature of the inquiry.