prying for information

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prying for information" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who is trying to obtain information in a nosy or intrusive manner. Example: "She was prying for information about his personal life, which made him uncomfortable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

He does not pry for information from his passengers, mostly because he doesn't care.

The New York Times

Forbes' practice of prying for personal information again reminds her of Gordon.

The New Yorker

In 2016, he reached out to both Page and Papadopoulos, apparently prying them for information about any contacts with the Russian government.

The Washington Post

Bassi gathers data on training spending by laboriously prying information from the companies themselves.

Forbes

If you openly pry into others' information, they'll be inclined to stay away from you.

WikiHow

And it makes it hard for the Environmental Protection Agency to pry the information it needs to assess risk from the manufacturers or to require them to conduct tests.

The New York Times

Trying to pry financial information out of your parents does not make for a pleasant conversation.

The New York Times

They see no other way to pry loose information that used to be routinely, if grudgingly, provided by previous administrations.

The New York Times

People who worry about social networks like Facebook prying into their personal information should probably also spare a thought for games like "Jetpack Joyride".

Huffington Post

In the early 1990's, it took months, even years, for inspectors to pry information from Iraq about its biological and chemical weapons.

The New York Times

When the FBI went looking for the best way to pry information from terrorists, they discovered it in the most unlikely of places: an almost-forgotten interrogator for Nazi Germany.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prying for information" when you want to emphasize the intrusive or unwelcome nature of the information-seeking process. Consider the context and whether a more neutral alternative might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "prying for information" in professional or academic writing where a neutral tone is preferred. Opt for alternatives like "researching", "investigating", or "inquiring" to maintain objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prying for information" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe an action. It depicts someone actively seeking information, often with the implication of being intrusive or unwelcome. Ludwig examples show it being used in news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prying for information" describes the action of seeking information intrusively or nosily. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct. Though not inherently formal, it often carries a negative connotation, implying a disregard for privacy or boundaries. While there are various contexts where the phrase can be seen, news and media outlets are the most frequent. When using "prying for information", it's important to consider whether the context would be better served by a more neutral and less judgmental alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

digging for information

Focuses on the effort and thoroughness of the search, often implying persistence.

fishing for information

Suggests a more subtle or indirect approach to obtaining information.

probing for information

Indicates a careful and methodical attempt to uncover details.

inquiring for information

Implies a formal or polite request for information.

soliciting information

Suggests actively requesting or seeking information from others.

extracting information

Highlights the difficulty or resistance involved in obtaining the information.

ferreting out information

Emphasizes the skill and determination needed to uncover hidden information.

unearthing information

Suggests discovering information that was previously hidden or unknown.

canvassing for information

Involves a broad and systematic search for information from various sources.

worming information out of

Implies manipulation or trickery to get someone to reveal information.

FAQs

What does "prying for information" mean?

The phrase "prying for information" describes the act of trying to obtain information in an overly curious, intrusive, or unwelcome manner. It often implies nosiness or a lack of respect for privacy.

Is "prying for information" negative?

Yes, "prying for information" generally has a negative connotation because it suggests an unwelcome intrusion into someone's personal affairs. Depending on the context, using "digging for information" or "inquiring for information" may be more appropriate.

What are some synonyms for "prying for information"?

Some synonyms for "prying for information" include "fishing for information", "probing for information", "extracting information" and "worming information out of".

How can I avoid being accused of "prying for information"?

To avoid being perceived as "prying for information", respect personal boundaries, avoid asking overly personal questions, and clearly state your reasons for needing specific details. Being direct and respectful of others' privacy is key.