I probed for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I probed for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an action of investigating or seeking information about a particular subject or issue. Example: "During the interview, I probed for details about the candidate's previous work experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I probed for months, talking to local doctors and poring over data.

The New Yorker

During the many casual chats I had on the streets of Tripoli, I probed for at least a vague range of opinion on Qaddafi, but the universal response I received was one of admiration, a hint of national pride.

The New York Times - Magazine

But when I probed for their moral justification, several either shut me down with blunt responses or just stopped replying altogether.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

These children of expatriates call many places home, pausing a little too long on the fundamental question: "Where are you from?" Before she leaves France, I probe for weak spots.

The New York Times

The binding location was further confirmed by fluorescence probe experiment using warfarin (site I probe) for displacement.

Journal of Luminescence

Still, as the tour goes on, I probe for a deeper understanding of how the Boss feels about his adversaries.

Vice

NMR data were acquired at 500 MHz on Bruker Avance instruments with a cryogenic TCI probe and ATM-TXI probe for use above 37 °C.

Biomacromolecules

For each method, data analysis was restricted to i) probes for which the detection score was greater than 95% in all samples or ii) probes with SD > 0.5 in all samples.

BMC Genomics

They asked to interview me and I was probed for my views on homosexuals.

Independent

Cells were seeded at 100,000 cells/ml cultured for 24 hrs prior to 24 hrs of treatment with FAK I then probed for FAK pY397.

Fibrogenesis and Tissue Repair

I probed ruthlessly for some indication of an antisocial profit drive in King, as it took me a while to believe that a business based on content scraped from the WhoIs records of other sites could be legitimate.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I probed for", ensure that the context implies a detailed and persistent investigation rather than a casual inquiry. This phrase suggests a deliberate effort to uncover hidden or complex information.

Common error

Avoid using "I probed for" in situations where a simple question or inquiry would suffice. The phrase can sound overly formal or intense in everyday conversation. Opt for alternatives like "I asked about" or "I inquired about" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I probed for" typically functions as a main clause in a sentence, where "I" is the subject, "probed" is the verb, and "for" introduces the object of the probing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I probed for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly in news and media and scientific contexts, to describe a thorough investigation or inquiry. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's correct and appropriate for conveying a determined effort to uncover details. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where a detailed investigation is implied rather than a casual question. Consider alternatives like "I inquired about" or "I searched for" for different nuances or levels of formality. Remember to employ "I probed for" when you want to emphasize the depth and persistence of your search for information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I inquired about

Replaces "probed" with a more general term for asking questions, shifting the focus slightly from detailed investigation to simple inquiry.

I investigated

Emphasizes a more formal and systematic examination, suggesting a deeper level of inquiry than "probed".

I searched for

Focuses on the act of looking for something, which could be information or something more tangible.

I examined

Implies a careful and detailed inspection, often in a scientific or analytical context.

I delved into

Suggests a thorough and immersive exploration of a topic.

I explored

Indicates a broad and open-ended investigation, often without a specific goal in mind.

I dug into

Implies a determined and persistent effort to uncover information, often suggesting that the information is hidden or difficult to find.

I looked into

A more casual way of saying that you investigated something.

I tried to find out about

Replaces "probed" with a more verbose phrase that emphasizes the attempt to gain knowledge.

I sought information on

Emphasizes the formal seeking of knowledge or details.

FAQs

What does "I probed for" mean?

The phrase "I probed for" means that you investigated or inquired deeply into something, seeking to uncover more information or details about it. It implies a thorough and persistent search.

How can I use "I probed for" in a sentence?

You can use "I probed for" in a sentence to describe your investigative efforts. For example: "During the interview, I probed for details about the project's challenges."

What can I say instead of "I probed for"?

You can use alternatives like "I inquired about", "I investigated", or "I searched for" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "I probed for" instead of "I asked about"?

"I probed for" is more appropriate when you are describing a thorough and persistent investigation, while "I asked about" is suitable for simple inquiries. The former suggests a deeper level of inquiry than the latter.