lightly probing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lightly probing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a gentle or subtle inquiry into a topic or situation. Example: "During the interview, the journalist was lightly probing for more information about the candidate's past experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

And probing.

Huffington Post

Probing Panels.

Huffington Post

Gentle pressure corresponded to the probe lightly touching the tissue surface, while firm pressure was enough to visibly indent the tissue surface.

Biomedical Optics Express

The probe was lightly placed in a perpendicular direction to the sciatic nerve, and the temperature of the tip of the electrode was controlled below 42 °C.

BMC Anesthesiology

After a fifteen-minute rest period, the laser Doppler flowmeter (LDF) probe was placed lightly on the pulp of the middle finger and baseline blood flow was recorded in real time.

BioMed Research International

Using a pointed probe, he touched the patient lightly on each leg, making his way from toes to thighs.

The New York Times - Magazine

Tapping Mode™ AFM, the most commonly used of all AFM modes, is a technique that maps topography by lightly tapping the surface with an oscillating probe tip.

Progress in Orthodontics

The probe needed to be very lightly applied with generous amounts of contact jelly otherwise artefactual areas of stiffness radiating from the skin surface were produced.

Breast Cancer Research

The imaging probe with the side-viewing probe attachment mounted on the articulating arm was lightly inserted into the nasal cavity through the nose passage of the subject whose head was immobile by the forehead rest and the chin rest (see Fig. 2(c)).

Biomedical Optics Express

Agus sketches her characters lightly, creating an impressionistic and mysterious narrative that probes the tension between imagination and madness and celebrates minor moments of beauty in an absurd and unfair world.

The New Yorker

Echocardiography was performed on lightly anesthetized animals under isoflurane (0.5 1%) with a probe emitting ultrasounds from 8- to 14-MHz frequency (Vivid7 PRO apparatus; GE Medical System Co).

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lightly probing", ensure the context reflects a gentle or non-intrusive approach to inquiry or investigation. This conveys a sense of tact and consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "lightly probing" when the investigation is actually thorough or aggressive. This creates a misleading impression of the depth of the inquiry.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lightly probing" functions as an adverb-verb combination, where "lightly" modifies the action of "probing". Ludwig AI shows that "lightly" commonly modifies verbs, indicating the manner in which the action is performed.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lightly probing" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a gentle or subtle method of investigation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, noting that "lightly" serves as an adverb modifying the verb "probing". Although direct examples are currently unavailable, the phrase implies a tactful and non-intrusive approach. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with its nuanced meaning to avoid misrepresenting the intensity of the inquiry.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Gently investigating

Replaces "lightly" with "gently", emphasizing the careful nature of the inquiry.

Softly inquiring

Replaces "lightly" with "softly", which refers to a gentle or quiet manner of asking questions.

Subtly inquiring

Substitutes "probing" with "inquiring", and "lightly" with "subtly", focusing on the indirectness of the questioning.

Delicately exploring

Uses "exploring" instead of "probing" and "delicately" in place of "lightly", suggesting a cautious examination.

Casually questioning

Emphasizes the informal and relaxed manner of the questioning.

Tenderly researching

Highlights a careful and considerate approach to research.

Carefully checking

Uses "checking" instead of "probing" and "carefully" in place of "lightly", indicating a thorough examination.

Superficially examining

Suggests a surface-level investigation without deep analysis.

Mildly questioning

Indicates a soft and gentle form of questioning.

Faintly investigating

Suggests an investigation with low intensity or strength.

FAQs

How can I use "lightly probing" in a sentence?

You can use "lightly probing" to describe a gentle or subtle inquiry into a topic. For example, "The interviewer was "lightly probing" the candidate's experience without being too intrusive".

What are some alternatives to saying "lightly probing"?

Alternatives include "gently investigating", "subtly inquiring", or "delicately exploring" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "lightly probing"?

"Lightly probing" is suitable in contexts where a sensitive or cautious approach is necessary, such as preliminary investigations, initial interviews, or when exploring a delicate topic.

What is the difference between "lightly probing" and "aggressively questioning"?

"Lightly probing" implies a gentle and non-intrusive approach, while "aggressively questioning" suggests a forceful and potentially confrontational inquiry. The former is tactful, the latter is assertive.