a thorough probing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thorough probing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an in-depth examination or investigation of a subject or issue. Example: "The committee conducted a thorough probing into the financial discrepancies reported by the auditors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A thorough probing of a facility's policies on rules for re-entry is critical.

The New York Times

But instead of such a thorough probing, which might detect minute irregularities of no medical significance, many cancer institutions now recommend a less formal process called "breast self-awareness".

The New York Times

Did it plan, staff, fund, and direct a thorough, probing investigation of each of the primary potential defendants?

Huffington Post

Grant Smith Scottsdale, Ariz., Dec. 7, 2009 • To the Editor: President Obama apparently engaged in a thorough, probing, participative inquiry to come to his latest decision about the Afghan war, posing questions we never heard coming out of the Bush administration.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Krasnodar region governor Alexander Tkachev promised to conduct a "thorough probe" into the incident and prosecute the attackers.

The Guardian - Music

Harlow MP Robert Halfon, who has campaigned for three years on fuel prices and allegations of oil cartels, said despite the Commons unanimously calling for a thorough probe into petrol pricing, it could be a "national scandal" if the regulator failed to spot any of the allegations currently under review.

Independent

A thorough probe would likely take more than a year.

Huffington Post

PPP senior leader Jehangir Badar demanded a thorough probe into the circumstances of the murder and called for calm.

Huffington Post

Milley said there was "no indication" of terrorism and promised a thorough probe of the shooter's background and combat experience.

Huffington Post

Prosecutors promised a thorough probe of the shooting as a small group of angry protesters demanded swift answers and called for a special prosecutor to investigate the death.

Los Angeles Times

Their legal council, David Wood, welcomes the probe as a "thorough investigation is necessary to determine the workings of Google's black box".

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a thorough probing", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being examined or investigated. This phrase is best suited for situations where a high level of detail and scrutiny is required.

Common error

Avoid using "a thorough probing" to describe superficial or cursory examinations. The phrase implies a deep and intensive investigation, so ensure it aligns with the actual depth of the analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thorough probing" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., "conducted a thorough probing"). According to Ludwig, this usage is correct and acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a thorough probing" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a detailed and comprehensive examination or investigation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not as common as alternatives like "a thorough investigation", it is appropriate in various contexts, particularly in news and media and scientific reporting. When employing this phrase, ensure the context aligns with the intended depth and scope of the analysis. Consider alternatives such as ""a comprehensive investigation"" or ""an exhaustive inquiry"" to fine-tune the nuance of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comprehensive investigation

Emphasizes the completeness and scope of the investigation.

an exhaustive inquiry

Highlights the depth and intensity of the inquiry.

a detailed examination

Focuses on the meticulous nature of the examination.

an in-depth analysis

Stresses the profound and penetrating nature of the analysis.

a rigorous inspection

Implies a strict and demanding level of scrutiny.

a complete assessment

Highlights the all-encompassing nature of the assessment.

a scrupulous review

Emphasizes the careful and conscientious nature of the review.

a painstaking scrutiny

Focuses on the meticulous and diligent nature of the scrutiny.

a far-reaching study

Emphasizes the broad scope and impact of the study.

a penetrating exploration

Highlights the insightful and revealing nature of the exploration.

FAQs

How can "a thorough probing" be used in a sentence?

"A thorough probing" is used to describe a detailed and comprehensive investigation. For example, "The audit committee conducted "a thorough probing" of the company's finances."

What are some alternatives to "a thorough probing"?

Alternatives to "a thorough probing" include "a comprehensive investigation", "an exhaustive inquiry", or "a detailed examination". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

In what situations is "a thorough probing" most appropriate?

"A thorough probing" is suitable when referring to investigations, examinations, or analyses that require a high degree of detail and scrutiny. It's often used in contexts involving audits, legal investigations, or scientific research.

Is "a thorough probing" more or less formal than "a thorough investigation"?

"A thorough probing" and "a thorough investigation" are relatively similar in formality. However, "a thorough investigation" might be perceived as slightly more common and neutral, whereas "a thorough probing" can sometimes imply a more active or intrusive examination.