pry

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "pry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean "to inquire too closely or intrusively into something". For example, "The reporter tried to pry into the celebrity's private life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It certainly proved one thing – that Johnson was right to regrow his moustache, whatever objections his wife, Jessica, had to it (I assume they involved kissing, but I don't like to pry).

The Guardian - Sport

Gun nuts may have felt great protecting their own interests, but they also threw into question longstanding Missouri gun restrictions, such as the ban on convicted felons carrying a firearm – all out of a belief, again unsupported by solid evidence, that the Obama administration has hatched a conspiracy to pry guns away from sane, law-abiding citizens.

The Guardian - Opinion

Most Americans regard marriage as essentially a religious institution: more than 80% of them are married in a religious ceremony, and most religious institutions are opposed to marrying gay couples.Gay marriage could provide the Republicans with a powerful lever to pry away working-class voters from the Democratic cause.

The Economist

The mayor's main ambition has been to improve the city's schools, fighting in the legislature and courts to pry control over education away from the autonomous school board that runs them, and winning a small victory.In a way these experiences might actually help him, were he to win.

The Economist

The best hope for improving them is a stiff dose of hostility, such as the vote Mr Murakami has forced on Tokyo Style.HellraiserAs a bureaucrat, Mr Murakami worked on reforms in the late 1990s that were intended to pry open Japanese companies.

The Economist

In a second term, he should make a concerted effort to pry Brazil free from its low-growth trap.

The Economist

In other restive provinces, such as Aceh and West Papua, soldiers still run amok, but only a handful of cases has ever come to trial.The government also seems loth to pry too deeply into military finances.

The Economist

Many will not talk to the press without elaborate identity checks, fearing that rivals are posing as journalists in order to pry into their affairs.

The Economist

At one point in the film a psychologist tries to pry into his memories, rummaging around in search of guilt.

The Economist

Buy from Amazon.co.uk RUTH WINSTONE'S job is to pry into people's diaries.

The Economist

As their local business ties increase, American and European firms are focusing more on ways to make operating in Japan easier some of which also help domestic firms rather than trying to pry open new markets.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pry" in the context of information, consider the ethical implications. Ensure you're not being overly intrusive or violating someone's privacy.

Common error

Avoid confusing "pry" with "prey" or "prior". "Pry" refers to levering something open or intruding, while "prey" means to be hunted, and "prior" means previous.

Linguistic Context

The verb "pry" primarily functions to describe the act of using leverage to open or separate something physically. It can also denote the act of inquiring intrusively into someone's private matters. As per Ludwig AI, it is perfectly correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "pry" is a versatile term primarily used as a verb, meaning either to force something open with leverage or to inquire intrusively. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as encyclopedic sources, the term carries a neutral tone. When using "pry", consider whether you're describing a physical action or a social one, and ensure your usage aligns with ethical considerations, especially when dealing with personal information. Similar terms include "extract" and "inquire intrusively".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prise open

A direct synonym, emphasizing the use of leverage to open something.

inquire intrusively

Emphasizes the invasive nature of the inquiry.

extract information

Specifically targets the act of obtaining information, often through questioning.

nose around

Implies informal and possibly intrusive investigation.

extract

Focuses on removing something, either physically or informationally, often with effort.

dig into

Suggests a thorough and persistent investigation.

leverage

Emphasizes using something as a tool to gain an advantage or influence.

worm out of

Suggests a subtle or deceptive method of extracting information or escaping a situation.

force open

Highlights the use of physical force to open something.

wrench free

Conveys a forceful and sudden removal or separation.

FAQs

How can I use "pry" in a sentence?

You can use "pry" to describe the act of levering something open, such as "He used a crowbar to pry the door open". It can also mean to inquire too closely into someone's private affairs, like "I didn't want to pry into their personal lives".

What can I say instead of "pry" when referring to intrusive questioning?

You can use alternatives like "inquire intrusively", "nose around", or "dig into" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "pry" when talking about extracting something non-physically?

Yes, "pry" can be used metaphorically to describe extracting information or influence, as in "He tried to pry the truth from her" or "They attempted to pry voters away from the opposition".

What's the difference between "pry" and "prise"?

"Pry" and "prise" are largely interchangeable, both meaning to use leverage to open or separate something. "Pry" is more common in American English, while "prise" is more frequent in British English.