it was an exploration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was an exploration" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an experience or activity that involved investigation, discovery, or inquiry into a subject or area. Example: "The journey through the ancient ruins was not just a trip; it was an exploration of history and culture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

But it was an exploration, not a defense.

The New York Times

It was an exploration that was to occupy him throughout the last 50 years of his life.

The Guardian - Arts

"Eminent Victorians," published in 1918, was something of a literary bombshell, as much a critique of the hypocritical and sanctimonious mores of the Victorian age as it was an exploration of four individual lives.

The New York Times - Books

Critics heralded it as the return of sex to the catwalk, yet it was an exploration of all things optical, such as this keyhole design, that Jacobs was primarily consumed with.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His "continuum of sound" deliberately involves the folding of phrases over one another, on and on, and though he realises that this may not be fashionable and he himself will not always be writing in such a style, it was an exploration he had to make.

The Guardian - Music

Thorn CEO Julie Cordua told TechCrunch it was a successful product, noting it "was an exploration we've been wanting to do for quite a while".

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It's an exploration".

The New York Times

"For us, it's an exploration".

The New York Times

For me, neither - it's an exploration of language.

The Guardian

"It's an exploration to acquire development rights.

The New York Times

I feel it's an exploration of something human".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was an exploration" to introduce the idea that something involved a process of discovery or investigation, often without a predetermined outcome. For example, when describing a creative project or a research endeavor.

Common error

Avoid using "it was an exploration" to present something as definitively proven or concluded. The phrase implies an ongoing process of discovery, not a final answer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was an exploration" functions as a predicate nominative, where "it" is the subject and "an exploration" renames or identifies the subject. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase introduces a subject as an investigative process.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was an exploration" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to introduce a subject as a process of discovery. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is commonly found in News & Media. When using this phrase, remember that it implies an ongoing process rather than a definitive conclusion. Consider alternatives like "it involved discovery" or "it represented a journey" to fine-tune the message. Overall, while the expression is not among the most frequent ones, its correct usage and semantic value makes it a very good choice in a great variety of contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it involved discovery

Focuses on the uncovering of new information rather than the act of exploring itself.

it was a voyage of discovery

Emphasizes the adventurous and revealing nature of the experience.

it represented a journey

This alternative focuses on the travel or progression aspect rather than the active investigation.

it reflected a search

This focuses on the intention to find something, which could be tangible or intangible.

it constituted an investigation

This suggests a more formal or structured inquiry compared to a general exploration.

it embodied a study

This suggests a deeper, more academic engagement with the subject.

it served as an inquiry

Highlights the function or role of the subject as a form of investigation.

it exemplified a probing

This alternative refers to a deeper and more thorough investigation or examination.

it was a quest

Implies a longer, more purposeful search for something specific.

it was a foray

This option suggests a brief or initial involvement in something.

FAQs

How can I use "it was an exploration" in a sentence?

You can use "it was an exploration" to describe an activity, project, or experience that involved investigation and discovery. For example: "The documentary wasn't a simple retelling of events; "it was an exploration" of the human condition."

What are some alternatives to "it was an exploration"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it represented a journey", "it involved discovery", or "it served as an inquiry", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was an exploration" formal or informal?

"It was an exploration" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal situations might benefit from using alternatives like "it constituted an investigation".

What's the difference between "it was an exploration" and "it was an investigation"?

"It was an exploration" suggests a broader, less structured inquiry, while "it was an investigation" implies a more formal and systematic approach to finding information or answers.