probe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "probe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are investigating, examining, or exploring something in detail. Example: "The scientists decided to probe deeper into the effects of climate change on marine life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Scala has made similar comments before but in light of the ongoing Swiss investigation and confirmation that the FBI has now widened its probe to include 2018 and 2022, his intervention takes on a new significance.

The Guardian - Sport

They included not only those arrested last week but the Brazilian Ricardo Teixeira, now the subject of a new Brazilian probe over $150m in missing money from last summer's World Cup, and his long time general secretary Jérôme Valcke.

The Guardian - Sport

Universal said the in-depth probe had been expected.

The Guardian - Business

For those who point to Obama's changes in policy, such as the executive order closing Gitmo or launching an justice department probe into the CIA's illegal interrogations, the memory of the Bush administration's violence and bullish selfishness, as well as continued military campaigns, explain why many Muslim communities continue to hold a unfavorable opinion of the US.

The Guardian - Opinion

The advert will form one part of the probe as detectives sift through intelligence reports and information gleaned from the public and informants since the murder.

The Guardian

Expansion microscopy is the latest in a series of new methods developed to probe brain structure and function in increasing detail.

The Guardian

So the collider is about to resume its journey back in time, to probe the strange forces and entities that must have existed in some dense, hot, viscous broth that filled the nascent universe, before ordinary matter started to precipitate, as space started to expand and time to tick.

The Guardian - Opinion

The EU urged the government to "take all necessary measures to ascertain Mr Dzamara's whereabouts", calling for a probe into the disappearance.

The Guardian

But it's a useful way to show students exactly how scientists landed the robotic probe on the comet.

The Guardian

That is why the probe was funded and constructed.

The Guardian

Wikipedia has launched a review of the way it conducts its investigation of Contribsx, although it will not change the finding of the probe into the user account, which will remain blocked on the grounds of sock-puppetry.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "probe", consider the context to determine if a more specific term like "investigate", "examine", or "explore" would be more appropriate to convey the nuances of your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "probe" too frequently in formal or academic writing. While acceptable, it can sometimes sound less precise than alternatives such as "investigate" or "analyze", which may better suit the tone and rigor of the writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "probe" is as both a verb, denoting the act of investigating or exploring, and as a noun, referring to an instrument or investigation itself. Ludwig examples demonstrate this dual usage, showcasing its flexibility in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "probe" is a versatile term used as both a noun and a verb to describe thorough investigations or explorations. Ludwig AI confirms that "probe" is correct and usable in written English. As a noun, it can refer to a physical instrument or an investigation itself. As a verb, it describes the act of investigating or exploring. It is frequently used in "News & Media" and "Science", reflecting its importance in both investigative journalism and scientific research. While "probe" is a common and acceptable term, writers should consider the context and explore alternatives like "investigate" or "examine" for greater precision. Overall, "probe" is a valuable word in the English language, suitable for a wide range of applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

investigate

This alternative focuses on a systematic or formal inquiry.

examine

This alternative emphasizes a detailed inspection or analysis.

scrutinize

This alternative suggests a critical and thorough examination.

explore

This alternative highlights discovery and learning through investigation.

delve into

This alternative implies a deep and thorough investigation.

inquire into

This alternative denotes a formal investigation or questioning.

look into

This alternative suggests a preliminary investigation.

research

This alternative refers to a systematic investigation to establish facts.

inspect

This alternative emphasizes a careful or formal examination.

analyze

This alternative highlights the detailed examination of something for interpretation.

FAQs

How can I use "probe" in a sentence?

You can use "probe" to describe an investigation or examination, as in "The investigators decided to probe the financial records" or "Scientists use probes to explore the depths of the ocean".

What can I say instead of "probe"?

You can use alternatives like "investigate", "examine", or "explore" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "probe into" or "probe"?

"Probe" can be used transitively (e.g., "probe the issue") or intransitively with "into" (e.g., "probe into the issue"). Both forms are grammatically correct, but the transitive form is often more concise.

What's the difference between "probe" and "inquire"?

"Probe" suggests a deeper, more thorough investigation, often involving physical instruments or in-depth questioning, while "inquire" generally refers to asking questions to gather information.