to study something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to study something" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used when talking about a specific subject or topic that one is actively learning or researching. For example: "I have decided to study chemistry in college next year." "Many students take a gap year to travel and study different cultures." "I need to study this manual before starting the new job."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're going to study something called The Candidate-Voter Model.

Yale University

"To study something is not to endorse it".

The New York Times

"Kids will go to school if they have the opportunity to study something they love.

The New York Times

Choosing to study something you are passionate about might not be as beneficial as you think.

The Guardian

It was a chance, he thought, to study something completely new.

The Washington Post

My advice for future engineers is to study something you're passionate about.

Stanford University

They have to study something that will lead directly to a job.

Stanford University

"That's what happens when you start to study something in depth.

The New York Times

I wanted to invest in a chance to study something I loved.

The New York Times

To study something scientifically, you first have to measure it, and psychologists have developed tests for many mental traits.

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm from India, and you're supposed to study something like engineering, so I came here without any interest in ecology.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone on educational choices, use "to study something" to encourage exploring diverse fields, emphasizing passion and potential career paths.

Common error

Instead of broadly stating "I want to study something", specify your interests. For example, say "I want to study astrophysics" for a clearer and more focused direction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to study something" functions as an infinitive phrase, often serving as a complement or object within a sentence. According to Ludwig, it is used to express the intention, desire, or need to engage in the act of learning or examining a subject. This is evident in the numerous examples provided, where the phrase appears in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

32%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to study something" is a grammatically sound and frequently used infinitive phrase that conveys the intent to learn or investigate a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, including academia, news media, and science. The phrase carries a neutral register and serves the communicative purpose of expressing aspirations or requirements related to knowledge acquisition. While versatile, clarity can be enhanced by specifying the subject of study. Given its prevalence and diverse application, mastering the appropriate use of "to study something" is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to study a subject

Rephrases with a more specific term than "something."

to learn about something

Focuses on the acquisition of knowledge regarding a subject.

to investigate something

Emphasizes a systematic or formal inquiry into a particular topic.

to examine something

Implies a close and detailed inspection of the subject matter.

to research something

Highlights the methodical study and analysis involved in uncovering new information.

to analyze something

Stresses the process of breaking down a subject into its component parts for better understanding.

to take up the study of something

More formal way to express initiating the learning of a new subject.

to delve into something

Suggests an in-depth exploration and investigation of a topic.

to explore something

Indicates a broad and open-ended investigation of a particular area.

to concentrate on something

Implies a focused and dedicated effort to understand a particular subject.

FAQs

How can I use "to study something" in a sentence?

You can use "to study something" to express an intention or desire to learn about a particular subject. For instance, "I've always wanted "to study something" related to marine biology."

What's a more specific way to say "to study something"?

Instead of "to study something", you could say "to study a specific subject" like history, math, or literature. This provides more clarity and focus on what you intend to learn.

Is it better to say "to study something" or "to learn something"?

While both are valid, "to study something" often implies a more formal or in-depth approach to learning, whereas "to learn something" can be more general and informal.

What are some common reasons people choose "to study something"?

People often choose "to study something" out of personal interest, career aspirations, or a desire for intellectual growth. The motivation can vary widely depending on individual goals and circumstances.