English for Today by Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (Dr GAB)
EXPLORE or EXPLOIT?
I need to ~exploit~ the possibility of partnering with them (nonstandard).
I need to *explore* the possibility of partnering with them (standard).
If you explore an idea or suggestion, you think about it or comment on it in detail, in order to assess it carefully. The word also means to search a place and discover things about it:
I look forward to ~exploiting~ the countryside (nonstandard).
I look forward to *exploring* the countryside (standard).
The noun form is *exploration*.
They just want to ~explore~ the riot to their advantage (nonstandard).
They just want to *exploit* the riot to their advantage (standard).
If you say that someone is exploiting a situation, you disapprove of them because they are using it to gain an advantage for themselves, rather than trying to help other people or do what is right. The noun form is *exploitation*.
GAB
No comment