penetrating

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'penetrating' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use the word to describe something that is penetrating in terms of sound, light, or influence. For example, "The piercing sound of the violin was so penetrating that it filled the entire room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

His work is complex, hypnotic and deeply penetrating.

The Guardian - Arts

I can pinpoint the exact moment I lost support for John Major, for example – it was the moment when, every time I closed my eyes, all I could see was his engorged penis repeatedly penetrating Edwina Currie's moistened labia.

The Guardian

Vincent's eyes are crystal blue, his gaze acute and penetrating.

The Guardian

That need for speed was demonstrated one weekend in 2011 when his predecessor at ANSSI had to take "urgent security measures" at the finance ministry after determined and well-organised hackers succeeded, discreetly, in penetrating the ministry's computer system.

The Guardian

Lake County coroner Thomas Rudd said in a statement that his autopsy had determined Howell suffered two "penetrating gunshot wounds on the torso" – one on the left that penetrated his spleen, liver and heart, and the other on the right that penetrated tissue and his right shoulder.

The Guardian

They were at home when shells hit, penetrating the walls and injuring them in different parts of their bodies.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

If Europa harbours life, it is most likely to be in a dark ocean sealed by an ice cap kilometres thick.To investigate how to get below that ice cap, a team led by Dr Stone is due to arrive on Alaska's Matanuska glacier in June to begin testing an ice-penetrating robot.

The Economist

One proposal is for an earth-penetrating, nuclear-tipped bunker-buster.

The Economist

If agreed, he will draw up a proposal for a detailed historical assessment of the site using ground-penetrating radar, 3D modelling and fibre-optic cameras.

The Guardian

For such scenarios, the most promising detection technology is ground-penetrating radar (GPR), which uses high-frequency radar signals, emitted either from a sled on the surface of the ice or from a low-flying aircraft, to provide an image of the subsurface.

The Economist

There are seismic sensors to detect footsteps and ground-penetrating radar to scan for tunnels.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing insights or analyses, use "penetrating" to convey depth and sharpness of understanding. For example, a "penetrating analysis" suggests a thorough and insightful examination of a subject.

Common error

Avoid using "penetrating" in overly casual or informal contexts. It's a strong word that implies depth and intensity, so reserve it for situations where those qualities are genuinely present.

Linguistic Context

The word "penetrating" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that pierces, enters, or has a profound effect. Ludwig AI confirms this based on example sentences, highlighting its use in describing both physical and abstract qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "penetrating" is an adjective widely used to describe something that pierces, enters, or has a profound impact. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct and its frequency is very common, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While alternatives like "piercing", "pervasive", and "acute" exist, "penetrating" distinctly emphasizes depth and effectiveness. A key best practice is to use "penetrating" when you mean to convey depth and sharpness of understanding. Conversely, avoid overuse in overly casual contexts, reserving it for situations requiring precision. Overall, understanding its function and purpose ensures impactful and correct usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

piercing

Focuses on the sharp, direct quality of entering or affecting something.

pervasive

Emphasizes the widespread presence or influence of something.

acute

Highlights the sharp and intense nature of something, particularly in understanding or perception.

incisive

Conveys the quality of being sharply analytical and insightful.

probing

Suggests a thorough and investigative approach to understanding something.

perforating

Implies creating a hole or passage through something.

infiltrating

Highlights the act of gradually entering or gaining access to something.

permeating

Focuses on the thorough spreading or diffusion of something throughout.

sharp

Emphasizes the clarity and precision of something.

trenchant

Indicates a forceful and effective quality of expression or analysis.

FAQs

How can I use "penetrating" in a sentence?

You can use "penetrating" to describe something that pierces or enters, like "penetrating wounds", or to describe something insightful, like "penetrating insights".

What's a good synonym for "penetrating" when describing insight?

When describing insight, consider using synonyms like "incisive", "acute", or "discerning".

Which is correct, "penetrating analysis" or "pervasive analysis"?

While both words are valid, "penetrating analysis" implies a deep and insightful examination, whereas "pervasive analysis" suggests a widespread or thorough investigation. Choose the one that best fits the intended meaning.

What can I say instead of "penetrating" when describing a sound?

When describing a sound, consider using "piercing", "shrill", or "intense", depending on the specific quality you want to convey.