to probe

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Labour continued to probe.

The Guardian

But she continues to probe.

The Economist

"It's always right to probe".

The New York Times

I'm going to probe and prod.

The New York Times

The F.D.A. will need to probe hard.

The New York Times

Wolves continued to probe when they could.

The Guardian - Sport

But North continued to probe with six clubs.

The New York Times

The programme is intended to probe these issues neutrally.

The Guardian

But I lacked the wit to probe any deeper.

The New Yorker

The desire to probe just does not arise.

The Guardian - Books

I tried to probe, maybe I didn't probe enough.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to probe" when you want to convey a sense of careful and thorough investigation, especially when exploring sensitive or hidden aspects of a subject. For example, "The journalist used her skills to probe the senator's financial records."

Common error

Avoid using "to probe" in overly casual or informal situations where simpler verbs like "ask", "check", or "look into" would be more appropriate. The formality of "to probe" can feel out of place in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to probe" functions primarily as an infinitive verb phrase. It is used to express the action of investigating or exploring something, often with the intent of uncovering hidden or less obvious information. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to probe" is a grammatically sound and widely used infinitive verb phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI. It signifies a thorough investigation or examination, often to uncover hidden or less obvious information. While versatile, it leans towards a neutral to formal register and is most frequently encountered in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When writing, consider the level of formality and choose simpler alternatives like "to investigate" or "to examine" if a more casual tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to investigate

Replaces "probe" with a more general term for inquiry.

to examine

Focuses on detailed inspection as an alternative to probing.

to explore

Suggests a more open-ended inquiry or search.

to inquire into

Formal alternative emphasizing a systematic investigation.

to delve into

Implies a deeper, more thorough examination.

to look into

A more casual alternative for investigating a matter.

to scrutinize

Emphasizes careful and critical observation.

to analyze

Focuses on breaking down a subject into its components for examination.

to research

Implies a systematic study or investigation.

to audit

Suggests a formal and systematic review or examination.

FAQs

How can I use "to probe" in a sentence?

"To probe" is typically used to describe a careful investigation or examination. For example, "The detective needed to probe deeper into the evidence" or "Scientists used advanced technology to probe the mysteries of the deep sea".

What are some alternatives to "to probe"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to investigate", "to examine", or "to explore". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "to probe" formal or informal?

"To probe" tends to be more formal than alternatives like "to check" or "to look into". It is suitable for professional, academic, or journalistic contexts.

When is it not appropriate to use "to probe"?

Avoid using "to probe" in casual conversations where a simpler, more direct verb would suffice. Overusing it can make your language sound stilted or overly formal in informal settings.