have been exploring

USAGE SUMMARY

"have been exploring" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has been occurring over a period of time up until the present. For example, "We have been exploring creative ways to market our product".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They have been exploring Queens.

The New York Times

Public television stations have been exploring similar sharing models.

The New York Times

Scientists have been exploring questions like this for decades.

The New York Times

So cancer researchers have been exploring original approaches.

The New York Times - Health

The owners of Chelsea Market, however, have been exploring an expansion with city officials since 2007.

The New York Times

estimate, which is subject to revision, but they have been exploring ways to plug the gap.

The New York Times

We have been exploring big shifts in the marketplace for some time now.

The Economist

Health officials have been exploring possible links to Dunsyre Blue cheese.

The Guardian

"We are an entrepreneurial company and have been exploring multiple areas.

The Guardian - Tech

For weeks, administration officials have been exploring several alternatives for reducing the wave of foreclosures.

The New York Times

Many dissatisfied executives have been exploring franchising as a path to career independence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been exploring" to describe ongoing or repeated actions of discovery or investigation over a period of time. For example, "Researchers have been exploring new treatment options for cancer."

Common error

Avoid using "have been exploring" when a simple past tense like "explored" is more appropriate. For example, use "We explored the city" instead of "We have been exploring the city" if you are referring to a single, completed event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been exploring" functions as a present perfect continuous verb phrase. This tense indicates an action that started in the past, continues into the present, and may continue into the future. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have been exploring" is a versatile and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe an ongoing action of investigation or discovery that started in the past and continues into the present. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread applicability across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communications. The related phrases offer alternative ways to express similar ideas, while the writing guidance provides practical tips on usage and common errors to avoid. The prevalence of this phrase in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and relevance in contemporary English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been investigating

Focuses more on a systematic or formal inquiry.

have been studying

Emphasizes a more academic or focused learning approach.

have been researching

Highlights a systematic search for new knowledge.

have been examining

Suggests a detailed inspection or analysis.

have been considering

Implies thinking carefully about something, weighing options.

have been delving into

Indicates a thorough and in-depth exploration.

have been looking into

Suggests a casual or initial investigation.

have been trying out

Highlights experimentation or testing of new ideas.

have been experiencing

Focuses on undergoing or encountering different things.

have been experimenting with

Emphasizes trying out different methods or approaches.

FAQs

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

Use "have been exploring" to describe a continuous action of investigation or discovery over time. For instance, "They "have been exploring" different marketing strategies to increase sales".

What are some alternatives to "have been exploring"?

Alternatives include "have been investigating", "have been studying", or "have been researching", depending on the context.

Is "have been exploring" formal or informal?

"Have been exploring" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

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

"Have been exploring" implies an ongoing process, while "explored" suggests a completed action. For example, "We "have been exploring" different options" suggests the process is still underway, whereas "We "explored" different options" means the exploration is finished.