to explore the possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to explore the possibility" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used when discussing the potential of something happening or being true, and suggests that further investigation or examination is needed. Example: "The team will conduct research and experiments to explore the possibility of finding a cure for this disease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But you have to explore the possibility".

The New York Times - Health

The two decided to explore the possibility.

The New York Times

Last summer the BBC moved to explore the possibility of making the news channel online only.

The Guardian

At least some of them are likely to explore the possibility of flipping, too.

The New Yorker

He is keen to explore the possibility of closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO).

The Guardian

"I felt it was a long shot," Hunsicker said, "but I called to explore the possibility.

The New York Times - Sports

They have instructed a team of lawyers to explore the possibility of legal action.

The Guardian

The company announced its intention Oct. 12 to explore the possibility of a sale.

MIT Technology Review

The book inspired other researchers to explore the possibility of widespread perennial agriculture.

Britannica

He ordered Mr. Baker to explore the possibility of a Bretton Woods-like conference.

The New York Times

That simplicity has encouraged computer scientists to explore the possibility of automatic patch generation.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to explore the possibility" when you want to introduce the idea of investigating something without committing to it fully. This phrase is useful in professional and academic contexts where further research is needed.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "to explore the possibility" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "look into" or "check out" to maintain a natural tone in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to explore the possibility" functions as an infinitive phrase that often introduces a clause outlining a potential action or consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to explore the possibility" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to introduce the concept of investigating or considering a potential action, outcome, or idea. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its frequent presence across diverse and reliable sources, especially in news and scientific contexts, underscores its validity and broad applicability. While it's perfectly appropriate for professional and academic settings, writers should be mindful of its formality and consider simpler alternatives like "look into" in more casual conversations. Utilizing this phrase effectively involves understanding its nuance of initiating investigation without firm commitment and following it with "of" and a suitable noun or gerund phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to consider the potential

Focuses on considering the inherent capacity or aptitude of something.

to investigate the feasibility

Emphasizes the practicality and viability of an option.

to examine the option

Highlights a close inspection and assessment of a choice.

to assess the likelihood

Shifts the focus to estimating the probability of an event.

to look into the chance

Implies a less formal and more preliminary investigation of an opportunity.

to probe the prospect

Suggests a thorough inquiry into a future possibility.

to weigh the opportunity

Focuses on evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of a potential situation.

to entertain the idea

Highlights considering an abstract concept.

to contemplate the eventuality

Emphasizes thinking deeply about something that might happen.

to study the potentiality

Suggests a formal analysis of inherent possibilities.

FAQs

How can I use "to explore the possibility" in a sentence?

You can use "to explore the possibility" to introduce the consideration of a potential action or outcome. For example, "The committee decided to explore the possibility of implementing new safety measures."

What are some alternatives to "to explore the possibility"?

Alternatives include "to consider the potential", "to investigate the feasibility", or "to examine the option", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to follow "to explore the possibility" with "of"?

Yes, the correct structure is "to explore the possibility of" followed by a noun or gerund phrase. For example, "to explore the possibility of investing in new technology" is correct, while "to explore the possibility invest" is not.

When is it appropriate to use "to explore the possibility" instead of "to consider"?

"To explore the possibility" suggests a more active investigation and less commitment than "to consider". Use "to explore the possibility" when you are just beginning to look into something, whereas "to consider" implies a more thoughtful evaluation.