Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
few studies have explored
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "few studies have explored" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the limited research conducted on a particular topic or subject area. Example: "Despite the growing interest in renewable energy, few studies have explored the long-term impacts of solar panel installations on local ecosystems."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Academia
News & Media
Alternative expressions(17)
research in this area is limited
few studies have investigated
few studies have been investigated
Research in this area is limited
further research is needed
few studies have focused on
limited research exists on
little research has explored
research on this is scarce
few studies have been conducted
few studies have been carried out
limited research has been done
research in this area is scarce
limited research exists
little research has been done on
there is a paucity of research on
research in this area is scant
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
However, few studies have explored ventilation under these conditions.
Science
However, few studies have explored the comprehensive impacts of rainfall data scarcity on H/NPS predictions.
Science
Few studies have explored the cultural process whereby religious symbolism created social cohesion and political allegiance.
Academia
Few studies have explored the microbial contamination of glove boxes in clinical settings.
Few studies have explored HIV testing uptake among men and factors that influence their testing behaviours.
Science
However, few studies have explored the influence of reward quality on risk-sensitivity in mammals.
Science
Few studies have explored the association of COPD, based on GOLD definition, with heart diseases.
Science
Few studies have explored patient outcomes at 12 months from enrolment in a CHF.
Science
However, few studies have explored the benefits of rainwater-runoff reduction by urban green spaces.
However, few studies have explored it as a method to assist in the design process.
Few studies have explored the influence of partner agreement on pregnancy intention and RRP.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "few studies have explored", clearly state the specific area where research is lacking to provide context and highlight the need for further investigation. This helps to focus the reader's attention on the gap in knowledge.
Common error
Avoid using "few studies have explored" without specifying the context or area of interest. Saying "few studies have explored this" without further details can make your statement vague and less impactful. Be specific about what hasn't been explored.
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "few studies have explored" functions as an introductory statement to highlight a gap in existing research. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in academic and scientific literature. It sets the stage for further investigation or justifies the need for a new study.
Frequent in
Science
80%
Academia
15%
News & Media
5%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "few studies have explored" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a scarcity of research on a given topic. Ludwig confirms its appropriateness for academic and scientific writing. Its primary function is to highlight gaps in existing knowledge, setting the stage for further investigation. The phrase is particularly prevalent in science and academia, signaling a need for more research in the specified area. When using this phrase, it's important to be specific about the context and the aspects that have not been adequately explored. Common alternatives include "limited research has investigated" and "scarce research has examined". By using this phrase effectively, writers can clearly articulate the need for additional research and focus the reader's attention on areas that require further exploration.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
limited research has investigated
Replaces "few studies" with "limited research" and "explored" with "investigated", emphasizing the scarcity of investigation.
scarce research has examined
Substitutes "few studies" with "scarce research" and "explored" with "examined" highlighting the limited quantity of research.
little research has been conducted on
Rephrases the sentence to focus on the lack of research conducted on a specific subject.
there is a lack of studies investigating
Highlights the absence of studies, changing the sentence structure.
research in this area is limited
Simplifies the phrase to a more general statement about the state of research.
the area is under-researched
Uses a more concise and direct term to indicate insufficient research activity.
not much attention has been paid to
Shifts the focus to the lack of attention given to a subject, implying limited research.
the literature on this topic is sparse
Emphasizes the scarcity of literature, indicating a need for more research.
this topic remains largely unexamined
Highlights that the topic is mostly unexamined, indicating that research is needed.
the existing body of research is small
Focuses on how small the research is that is already conducted.
FAQs
How can I rephrase the sentence "few studies have explored"?
You can use alternatives such as "limited research has investigated", "scarce research has examined", or "little research has been conducted on" depending on the specific context.
When is it appropriate to use the phrase "few studies have explored"?
It is appropriate when you want to indicate that there is a scarcity of research or investigation into a particular topic. This phrase is often used in academic and research papers to highlight gaps in the existing knowledge.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when using "few studies have explored"?
A common mistake is not being specific about the area where research is lacking. To make your statement more impactful, always specify what aspect hasn't been sufficiently explored. Avoid overgeneralization and provide context for your claim.
Is "few studies have explored" suitable for formal writing?
Yes, "few studies have explored" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic and scientific contexts. It is a clear and professional way to express the limited amount of research on a particular subject.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested