What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
prospecting
Example
The mining company sent a team to prospect for gold in the mountains. [prospect: verb]
Example
The sales team spent the day prospecting for new clients in the city. [prospecting: gerund or present participle]
exploration
Example
The astronauts went on an exploration mission to Mars. [exploration: noun]
Example
The scientists conducted experiments to explore the potential of a new drug. [explore: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Exploration is more commonly used than prospecting in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and can be used in various fields and industries. Prospecting is more specific and is often used in the context of mining, sales, or business development.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between prospecting and exploration?
Both prospecting and exploration can be used in formal and informal contexts, depending on the context and audience. However, prospecting may be more commonly associated with a business or technical tone, while exploration can be used in a broader range of contexts and tones.
