to explore whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to explore whether" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the investigation or examination of a particular question or hypothesis. Example: "The researchers aimed to explore whether the new treatment would be more effective than the standard one."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To explore whether menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) plays a role.

Maturitas

In these circumstances, it would be wise to explore whether an acceptable negotiated solution is possible.

The New York Times

Dr. Heber-Katz's team decided to explore whether their mice could regenerate heart tissue.

The New York Times - Science

He appointed Assemblyman Malone to head a committee to explore whether practical arts should be required.

The New York Times

The film is said to explore whether "love can exist between creative equals".

The Guardian - Film

We ran a study recently to explore whether children believed their toys had thoughts and feelings.

The Guardian

Authorities say they are continuing to explore whether other people may be connected to the case.

The Washington Post

Our dataset also allowed us to explore whether this licensing premium evolves over time.

Harvard Business Review

Essentially, we use cluster analysis to explore whether private equity firms follow particular strategies.

Harvard Business Review

Debt advisers need to explore whether gambling has played a part in clients' financial difficulties.

The Guardian - Opinion

We wanted to explore whether the diversity of CEOs' networks might affect their firms.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to explore whether", clearly define the scope of your investigation and the criteria for success. This helps to maintain focus and avoid ambiguity in your research or analysis.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "to explore whether" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In such situations, consider using simpler alternatives like "to see if" or "to check whether" to maintain a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to explore whether" functions as an infinitive phrase introducing a clause that expresses a question or hypothesis to be investigated. It sets the stage for an inquiry or examination, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to explore whether" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly in scientific, news, and business contexts. As highlighted by Ludwig, it serves to introduce an investigation or examination of a question or hypothesis, signaling an intent to delve deeper into a specific topic. While appropriate for formal settings, simpler alternatives might be preferable in informal conversations. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is suitable for expressing the purpose of an analysis or research effort, making it a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to investigate if

This alternative suggests a more formal and in-depth inquiry.

to examine whether

This implies a careful and detailed inspection or analysis.

to determine if

This suggests a focus on reaching a definitive conclusion.

to assess whether

This indicates an evaluation or judgment of a situation or condition.

to ascertain if

This implies discovering something with certainty through investigation.

to probe whether

This suggests a deeper, more penetrating inquiry.

to inquire if

This alternative is a more direct and simple form of questioning.

to look into whether

This suggests a casual or preliminary investigation.

to consider whether

This implies a thoughtful evaluation before making a decision.

to study if

This suggests a systematic and detailed examination.

FAQs

How can I use "to explore whether" in a sentence?

Use "to explore whether" to introduce an investigation or examination of a question or hypothesis. For example, "The study aims to explore whether a new drug is effective."

What are some alternatives to "to explore whether"?

You can use alternatives such as "to investigate if", "to examine whether", or "to determine if" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "to explore whether" in academic writing?

While generally suitable, consider the specific tone and style guidelines of your academic discipline. Simpler alternatives may be more appropriate in some cases.

What is the difference between "to explore whether" and "to investigate whether"?

While similar, "to investigate whether" often implies a more formal and structured inquiry, whereas ""to explore whether"" can suggest a more open-ended or preliminary examination.