offhandedly querying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "offhandedly querying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a casual or informal way of asking a question without much thought or preparation. Example: "During the meeting, she offhandedly queried about the project's timeline, not expecting a detailed response."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or database querying.

TechCrunch

Quality of hug: Querying.

Vice

"Oh?" he queries, worriedly.

Independent

"Janet?" I query.

Independent

"And you?" I queried.

The New York Times

"What happened?" I queried.

The New Yorker

"Three sugars?" I query.

Independent

Medication queries to answer.

The Guardian

"Technique?" she queries, dismissively.

The Guardian

"Here?" he queried.

The Guardian - Sport

"What, even Strawberry Fields, John Martinin queried.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternative phrasing if the context requires a more formal or serious tone. Words like "casually" or "informally" may provide the desired nuance without sounding dismissive.

Common error

Avoid using "offhandedly querying" too frequently, as it can make characters or narrators sound consistently uninterested or detached. Vary your language to reflect a broader range of attitudes and intentions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "offhandedly querying" functions as an adverbial modifier combined with a verb, describing the manner in which a question is posed. It suggests a casual, almost dismissive way of asking, implying a lack of deep engagement or serious intent. Ludwig AI confirms the usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "offhandedly querying" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a casual and somewhat dismissive manner of questioning. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts and conveys a sense of nonchalance or disinterest. While deemed usable, as noted by Ludwig, it's essential to consider the context to avoid conveying unintended rudeness. Alternative phrases like "casually inquiring" or "informally questioning" may be more appropriate in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

casually inquiring

Replaces "offhandedly" with "casually", emphasizing a relaxed manner of asking.

informally questioning

Substitutes "offhandedly" with "informally", highlighting the lack of strict formality in the questioning.

lightly questioning

Uses "lightly" to indicate a lack of seriousness or depth in the query.

briefly questioning

Focuses on the brevity of the questioning, implying it wasn't extensive.

without much thought questioning

Emphasizes the lack of consideration or planning behind the questioning.

parenthetically asking

Suggests the query was inserted as a side note or afterthought.

making a passing inquiry

Highlights the fleeting and transient nature of the question.

tossing out a question

Conveys the idea of asking a question in a very casual and almost careless manner.

flippantly querying

Indicates a lack of seriousness or respect in the manner of questioning.

superficially questioning

Implies that the questioning did not delve into deeper or more significant aspects.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "offhandedly querying" to sound more formal?

To achieve a more formal tone, you can replace "offhandedly querying" with phrases like "formally inquiring" or "respectfully questioning", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "offhandedly querying" in writing?

"Offhandedly querying" is best used when you want to depict a character asking a question in a casual, almost dismissive manner, indicating they don't expect a detailed or serious response. It is not suitable for formal or professional settings.

Are there situations where "offhandedly querying" might be considered rude?

Yes, using "offhandedly querying" can be perceived as rude or dismissive, especially in situations where a serious or thoughtful response is expected. Consider the context and audience before using this phrase.

What's the difference between "casually inquiring" and "offhandedly querying"?

While both phrases suggest a casual manner of questioning, "offhandedly querying" implies a greater degree of disinterest or nonchalance than "casually inquiring", which simply means asking in a relaxed way.