What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
probe
Example
The detective decided to probe deeper into the case to find more evidence. [probe: verb]
Example
The journalist probed the politician with tough questions during the interview. [probed: past tense]
Example
The doctor used a probe to examine the patient's ear. [probe: noun]
scrutinize
Example
The auditor scrutinized the company's financial records to ensure accuracy. [scrutinized: past tense]
Example
The scientist scrutinized the data to find any errors or inconsistencies. [scrutinized: verb]
Example
The teacher scrutinized the student's essay for grammar and spelling mistakes. [scrutinized: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scrutinize is less common than probe in everyday language. Probe is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while scrutinize is more specific and often used in formal or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between probe and scrutinize?
Scrutinize is generally considered more formal than probe. It is often used in academic or professional contexts where a critical evaluation or assessment is required.
