What is research? Pronunciation and usage in English

research means . Learn how to pronounce and use research through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of research

researchnoun/verb

/rɪˈsəːtʃ//ˈriːsəːtʃ/
Definition & pronunciation of research

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "research" in English. There are a couple of common pronunciations, and they both sound pretty good! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Most Common American Pronunciation:

  • reh- (like the "re" in "red") - This is a short, unstressed vowel sound.
  • -search (like "search" - as in, to look for something)

Putting it together: reh-search

2. A More Traditional (and still perfectly acceptable) British Pronunciation:

  • ri- (like the "ri" in "ripe") - This is a longer, more emphasized vowel sound.
  • -särk (rhymes with "park") - This is the tricky part! The "er" sound is pronounced like a short "a" as in "park".

Putting it together: ri-särk

Here's a helpful breakdown with phonetic symbols (for those who know them):

  • American: /rɪˈsɜːrʃ/
  • British: /rɪˈsɑːrk/

Resources to hear the pronunciation:

Which one should you use?

  • In the United States, the reh-search pronunciation is extremely common and will usually be perfectly understood.
  • If you're speaking British English, the ri-särk pronunciation is more typical.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me where you're hearing the word (e.g., American English, British English, etc.)?

Usage and examples with the word research in English

Let's break down how to use the word "research" in English. It's a versatile word with several different applications. Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. As a Verb (to conduct research):

  • Meaning: To systematically investigate a topic to discover or revise facts, theories, etc. It’s about gathering and analyzing information.
  • Examples:
    • "I'm researching the effects of climate change on coastal communities." (You're actively working on collecting data and understanding the topic.)
    • "The scientists are researching a cure for cancer." (They're working to find a solution.)
    • "She researched different universities before choosing where to apply." (She investigated and compared options.)
    • "He researched historical documents to write his book." (He found and studied relevant materials.)

2. As a Noun (research):

  • Meaning: The activity of investigating or inquiring. It’s the work itself – the process of gathering information.
  • Examples:
    • “The company invested heavily in research and development.” (They spent a lot of money on innovative work.)
    • “Her research focused on the impact of social media on teenagers.” (The topic of her study.)
    • “The research paper presented groundbreaking findings.” (Referring to the paper itself.)
    • “I need to read up on some research on this topic.” (I need to learn about the existing studies.)

3. Phrases Using "Research":

  • Conduct research: (Formal) - To perform research. "The team will conduct research into new marketing strategies."
  • Carry out research: (Similar to "conduct") - Often used in academic or scientific contexts. “They carried out research using a large sample group.”
  • Primary research: Research that you conduct yourself – often involves surveys, interviews, or experiments. "The study employed primary research methods."
  • Secondary research: Research that involves analyzing information that has already been collected by others – such as books, articles, or reports. “The thesis relied heavily on secondary research.”
  • Market research: Research designed to understand consumer behavior and preferences. "The company performed market research to launch a new product."
  • Academic research: Research conducted, typically by students or scholars, in an academic setting. “She’s doing academic research on Shakespeare.”

4. Using "Research" in Sentences - Examples Combining the Uses:

  • "The research showed a strong correlation between exercise and mental health." (Noun)
  • "The professor asked us to research the topic for the presentation." (Verb)
  • "She presented the findings of her research at the conference." (Noun)

Tips for Using "Research" Correctly:

  • Know the context: Is it being used as a verb (action) or a noun (thing)?
  • Be specific: When describing research, it's helpful to mention what is being researched (the topic).
  • Formal vs. Informal: "Research" is generally a formal word. In very casual conversation, you might hear phrases like "checking things out" instead, but "research" is always the more precise option.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you hoping to use “research” in? (e.g., writing an essay, talking about your job, explaining a project, etc.)
  • Is there a specific sentence you're trying to construct that you’re unsure about?

Synonyms for the word research

Practice with vocabulary research

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The team plans to conduct extensive __________ into the long-term effects of climate change on coastal ecosystems.
  2. Her groundbreaking __________ presented novel insights into quantum physics.
  3. Before developing the new drug, scientists conducted a series of rigorous __________ to test its efficacy.
  4. The primary __________ of their work was to identify the root causes of the supply chain disruption.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The Ph.D. candidate spent two years __________ data for her dissertation on urban sociology. a) collecting b) researching c) analyzing d) pondering
  2. To understand consumer preferences, the marketing department decided to conduct in-depth __________ into purchasing habits. a) studies b) surveys c) research d) analyses
  3. The policy paper was based on empirical __________, not just theoretical assumptions. a) evidence b) data c) research d) speculation
  4. Before launching the new software, the company performed a thorough __________ to identify any potential bugs. a) experiment b) investigation c) examination d) hypothesis
  5. The archaeological team's __________ unearthed ancient artifacts, shedding new light on the civilization. a) excavation b) exploration c) survey d) compilation

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The scientists are currently investigating the impact of microplastics on marine life. Rewrite using "research":
  2. Original: The results of the extensive study clearly indicated a need for policy changes. Rewrite using a form of "research":
  3. Original: We need to find out more about the new market trends before making a decision. Rewrite without using "research" or related forms:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. research
  2. research
  3. experiments
  4. objective

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) collecting, b) researching, c) analyzing
  2. a) studies, c) research
  3. a) evidence, b) data, c) research
  4. b) investigation, c) examination
  5. a) excavation, b) exploration

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The scientists are currently conducting research into the impact of microplastics on marine life.
  2. The extensive research findings clearly indicated a need for policy changes.
  3. We need to examine the new market trends before making a decision.

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