drilling her

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drilling her" is grammatically correct but context-dependent, and its appropriateness varies based on the situation.
It can be used in contexts related to intense questioning or interrogation, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The detective was drilling her for information about the suspect's whereabouts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

He begins by drilling her with Webster's Third International Dictionary.

The New York Times - Books

And here O'Brien was drilling her kids to prepare for a test obviously designed for -- well, there was no very delicate way to put it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Fuller was 25 and looking forward to the freedoms of unfettered adulthood when her father died, proving as great an influence in absentia as he'd been when drilling her on the classics.

The New York Times - Books

After achieving her ideal — defeating her mean-girl rival Skylar (Kate Rockwell), who takes the loss in stride, so preeningly assured is she of her own perfection — Campbell begins drilling her team for the national championships at a summer cheer camp.

The New York Times

And the bloke was really drilling her.

Vice

So she spent time each day of the strike drilling her kids on what they learned in school.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Seconds later, the Americans counterattacked and Wambach drilled her second goal.

The New York Times - Sports

After dinner, her mother used flashcards to drill her in multiplication for a few minutes.

The New York Times

The arena exploded when Ellie Downie drilled her vault and Britain hopped over Russia on the massive scoreboard.

The Guardian - Sport

And as fluent as always in the period she means to evoke, Ms. Marshall has drilled her agile dancers to perform every possible variation on the Charleston.

The New York Times

Boom, a puff of dust off her hip, boom, boom: drilled her ribs, and neck, and one more too close to where she made her milk.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of "drilling her". While grammatically correct, it can sometimes imply a forceful or relentless approach. Choose alternative phrasing if a gentler tone is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "drilling her" in contexts where it might be perceived as aggressive or insensitive. For instance, when describing a therapy session or a conversation with someone who is already distressed, opt for phrases like "guiding her" or "supporting her" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drilling her" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "drilling" is a transitive verb taking "her" as its direct object. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase, showcasing its role in depicting an action performed on a subject. The examples demonstrate its usage in various contexts, ranging from intense questioning to rigorous training.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "drilling her" is grammatically correct and commonly used, primarily within the realm of News & Media. According to Ludwig AI, it generally conveys intense questioning or rigorous training. However, it's essential to be mindful of the connotations, as the phrase can sometimes imply a forceful or relentless approach. As such, alternative phrasing may be preferable in more sensitive contexts. When considering the context, remember that the register of the phrase is generally neutral. Overall, a careful consideration of the intended tone and audience is crucial when using "drilling her".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

questioning her intensely

Emphasizes the intensity of the questioning, focusing on extracting information.

interrogating her rigorously

Highlights the formal and strict nature of the interrogation.

grilling her relentlessly

Focuses on the persistence and intensity of questioning, often in a stressful context.

coaching her intensively

Shifts the focus to training or instruction with a high level of effort.

training her thoroughly

Focuses on the completeness and depth of the training process.

quizzing her repeatedly

Highlights the repeated testing or questioning of someone's knowledge.

pressuring her for answers

Emphasizes the element of coercion or insistence in obtaining information.

rehearsing with her repeatedly

Highlights the repetitive nature of practice or preparation.

preparing her meticulously

Emphasizes the detailed and careful preparation provided.

prompting her repeatedly

Focuses on the act of giving clues or suggestions to aid memory or performance.

FAQs

What does "drilling her" mean?

The phrase "drilling her" typically means questioning someone intensely or repeatedly, often to extract information or test their knowledge. It can also refer to training someone rigorously.

What can I say instead of "drilling her"?

You can use alternatives like "questioning her intensely", "interrogating her rigorously", or "coaching her intensively" depending on the specific context.

Is "drilling her" too informal for professional writing?

While "drilling her" is not inherently informal, its connotations can sometimes be too strong for professional writing. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "questioning her" or "training her" in formal settings.

How can the context affect the appropriateness of "drilling her"?

The context significantly impacts the appropriateness of "drilling her". In situations involving interrogation or rigorous training, it may be suitable. However, in sensitive or supportive contexts, it can sound harsh. Opt for gentler alternatives when needed.