has been exploring

USAGE SUMMARY

"has been exploring" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe an action that started in the past and is still ongoing in the present. Example: John has been exploring different career options since he graduated from college.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

California has been exploring such an approach.

The New York Times

For weeks now, he has been exploring the letter "P".

The New Yorker

Recently, Ms. Fleming has been exploring the bel canto repertory.

The New York Times - Arts

The office has been exploring ties between Italian and Greek anarchists.

The New York Times

And in effect he has been exploring certain principles all along.

The New York Times - Arts

The Cassini space probe which captured it has been exploring the Saturnian system since 2004.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Neither of these boundaries has been explored.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The form has been explored by many other American poets.

The Guardian - Books

Only five per cent of the ocean has been explored.

The New Yorker

Bulk zirconia has been explored over decades.

Journal of Nanostructure in Chemistry

capitata L. has been explored in vitro.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been exploring" to describe a continuing process of discovery or investigation, particularly when the duration or ongoing nature is relevant to the context.

Common error

Avoid using "has been exploring" when referring to a completed action. If the exploration is finished, use "explored" or "has explored" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been exploring" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect continuous tense. It indicates an action of searching or investigating that began in the past and is still ongoing in the present. Ludwig provides examples that illustrate this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

20%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has been exploring" is a versatile verb phrase in the present perfect continuous tense, indicating a continuing action of discovery or investigation. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in news and academic contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse communication styles. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the action is indeed ongoing; otherwise, a simple past or present perfect tense might be more appropriate. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been investigating

Focuses on a systematic or formal inquiry, implying a more structured approach than exploring.

has been researching

Highlights a detailed and scientific inquiry, suggesting a deeper dive into the subject.

has been studying

Emphasizes a focused and methodical learning process, often academic in nature.

has been examining

Implies a close and careful inspection, often for a specific purpose or outcome.

has been delving into

Suggests a more profound and immersive exploration, going beyond surface-level understanding.

has been looking into

Indicates a preliminary investigation or inquiry, less intensive than full exploration.

has been probing

Implies a searching or questioning approach, often to uncover hidden information.

has been experimenting with

Emphasizes trying out new methods or ideas, suggesting a hands-on approach.

has been trialing

Indicates testing something new, usually in a business setting to see what works.

has undertaken an analysis of

Implies a formal and structured evaluation, shifting the focus from exploration to assessment.

FAQs

How can I use "has been exploring" in a sentence?

Use "has been exploring" to describe an action of discovery or investigation that started in the past and is still continuing. For example, "The company "has been exploring new markets" to expand its business."

What are some alternatives to "has been exploring"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "has been investigating", "has been studying", or "has been researching" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "is exploring" instead of "has been exploring"?

While both are grammatically correct, "is exploring" describes an action happening now, whereas "has been exploring" describes an action that began in the past and is ongoing. The choice depends on the intended emphasis and timeframe.

What is the difference between "has explored" and "has been exploring"?

"Has explored" indicates a completed action, while "has been exploring" indicates an action that started in the past and continues into the present. For example, "He "has explored" the island" (the exploration is finished), versus "He "has been exploring" the island" (the exploration is still in progress).