I started probing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started probing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of investigating or exploring a topic, situation, or issue in more detail. Example: "During the interview, I started probing into the candidate's previous work experience to better understand their qualifications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The previous owner made an unsuccessful stab at repairing the wall over the fireplace, "so I started probing and now I have half of the plaster over the mantel ripped off," he said.

The New York Times

I started probing into his background and with his head shamefully bowed down, he replied, "My mother is a Filipina, and my father was an American".

Huffington Post

I was wondering what would happen if I started probing, but I also remembered the weird skipping habit that my brain developed as a by-product of growing up as a Mormon a habit that persisted long after I left the church.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But when she started probing about my beliefs, I started evading her questions.

Vice

And they started probing that.

The New Yorker

Mr German's resignation came when police started probing expenses he claimed in his previous job in Welsh education.

The Economist

Nancy Mitford is always credited as the one responsible for bringing U and Non-U language and behaviour to the attention of the terrified middle classes, but it was actually Alan SC Ross who first started probing into sociological linguistics in the magazine Encounter.

The Guardian - Books

About four years ago Aronson started probing whether microscopic organisms could help.

Forbes

Recently, he has started probing even further into the darkest shadows of the psyche.

BBC

He started probing security systems in his spare time after a co-worker ordered one at the office.

Forbes

Michaud started probing the flaws in Markowitz's theory as an analyst at asset manager Boston Co. in the 1970s.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I started probing", ensure that the context clearly indicates what you are investigating or exploring. Providing specific details enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "I started probing" without specifying what you are probing into. For instance, instead of saying "I started probing", specify "I started probing the data for inconsistencies" to provide a clearer understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started probing" functions as a declarative statement indicating the commencement of an investigative action. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes initiating a process of inquiry or exploration. The examples show this phrase used across various contexts to denote the beginning of an investigation or examination.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66.66%

Science

33.33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I started probing" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate the commencement of an investigation or exploration. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is acceptable in written English. While it's generally neutral, it's important to consider context and specify the object of the probing to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "I began investigating" or "I looked into" might be more suitable for formal writing. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media sources and can be enhanced by providing clear details about the subject of the inquiry.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began investigating

Focuses on a more formal and systematic examination.

I started to examine

Highlights the commencement of a careful and detailed inspection.

I commenced inquiry

Highlights the initial stage of asking questions and seeking information.

I initiated exploration

Emphasizes the start of a detailed examination or discovery process.

I undertook an inquiry

Signifies the formal undertaking of an investigation.

I delved into

Suggests a deeper and more thorough investigation.

I set about investigating

Emphasizes the active initiation of an investigation.

I embarked on an investigation

Suggests a more extensive and planned investigation.

I looked into

Implies a general investigation or review.

I turned my attention to

Indicates a shift in focus towards a specific area of investigation.

FAQs

What does "I started probing" mean?

The phrase "I started probing" means that you began investigating, exploring, or inquiring into something, often with the intention of uncovering more information or understanding a situation better.

What can I say instead of "I started probing"?

You can use alternatives like "I began investigating", "I looked into", or "I started to examine" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "I started probing" in formal writing?

While "I started probing" is grammatically correct, it might be perceived as informal in some contexts. For formal writing, consider using more precise and professional alternatives such as "I commenced inquiry" or "I initiated exploration".

How can I make the phrase "I started probing" more specific?

To make the phrase more specific, clearly state the object of your probing. For example, instead of "I started probing", say "I started probing the financial records" or "I started probing the suspect's alibi" to provide a clearer and more informative statement.