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Ludwig provides contextual example sentences from reliable sources like The New York Times, BBC, and academic publications, helping you understand how words and phrases are used in real-world contexts. This improves both writing fluency and comprehension skills.

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What makes Ludwig different from other writing tools?

Ludwig focuses on providing real example sentences from authoritative sources, not just grammar checking. This contextual approach helps users understand not just what's correct, but how language is actually used by native speakers and professional writers.

Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

I don't mean to pry
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"I don't mean to pry" is correct and usable in written English
You can use it when you want to politely express that you don't want to intrude on someone's privacy or personal matters. Example: "I don't mean to pry, but I was just wondering why you didn't come to the party last weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"I don't mean to pry, but what was going on in that room on the second floor?

News & Media

The New Yorker

"I don't mean to pry, but may I say how pleased I was to hear you made a new friend in my young nephew.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"I don't mean to pry, but who, exactly, is your father?" "What business is it of yours?" This could have been a nasty moment, but the Tanners' eagerness to sweep Junior's proclivities under the rug resulted in their pulling their punches, which was much harder on Mrs. Tanner, who was bellicose by nature, than on her husband.

News & Media

The New Yorker

I meant to ask, but when Maw Hamrick returned to the living room the topic immediately turned to cholesterol, Lisa saying, "I don't mean to pry, Joan, but what is your level?" It was one of those conversations I was destined to be left out of.

News & Media

The New Yorker

I don't mean to pry, But why?

News & Media

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Remember that this doesn't mean you have to pry.

Wiki

WikiHow

This doesn't mean you should pry or be really nosy about what they're doing and ask super personal questions.

Wiki

WikiHow

The NSA's actions are likely protected by law, so saying you're only honoring prying that's legal didn't mean no prying.

News & Media

TechCrunch

"I don't want to pry, but wouldn't the toilet tissue obscure the evidence?" No.

News & Media

The Guardian

That does not mean that we always have a right to pry into the consensual love lives of public figures.

News & Media

Independent

Disinterested means unbiasedand does not mean uninterested.

News & Media

Independent

Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

When using "I don't mean to pry", follow it with a brief justification for your question to soften the potential intrusiveness. For instance: "I don't mean to pry, but is everything alright? You seem a little down today."

⚠ Common error

Avoid using "I don't mean to pry" as a mere conversational filler. If your question is inherently intrusive, consider whether it needs to be asked at all. If it does need to be asked, acknowledge the potential discomfort directly, instead of making the phrase useless.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I don't mean to pry" functions as a preface or disclaimer before asking a potentially sensitive question. As Ludwig AI indicates, it expresses politeness and avoids unwanted intrusion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

⚠ Less common in

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I don't mean to pry" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, designed to preface potentially intrusive questions with politeness. Ludwig AI confirms its purpose is to avoid intruding on someone's privacy. Although categorized as uncommon, this phrase appears mainly in News & Media and Wiki contexts. To maintain credibility, remember to use it sincerely and thoughtfully, as mere repetition may nullify its purpose. Alternatives like "I hope I'm not intruding" can vary the language while retaining the same intent. In essence, this phrase is a tool for delicate communication, use with careful awareness and a genuine wish not to overstep personal bounds.

Alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I hope I'm not intruding

Changes the focus from intention to a direct concern about causing intrusion.

I don't wish to intrude

A more formal phrasing, replacing "mean to pry" with "wish to intrude".

I don't want to be nosy

Replaces "pry" with the more direct term "nosy", emphasizing the avoidance of being overly curious.

I'm not trying to be nosy

Similar to "I don't want to be nosy", but uses "trying" to emphasize the lack of intent.

Without meaning to be intrusive

Uses a more formal and passive construction to express the same sentiment.

I hope I'm not overstepping

Emphasizes the concern of exceeding acceptable boundaries or limits.

More alternative expressions(3)

I don't mean to pick

I don't mean to press

I don't mean to raise

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "I don't mean to pry"?

Use "I don't mean to pry" when you are about to ask a question that could be considered personal or intrusive. It's a polite way to acknowledge the potential overstep and express your sensitivity to the other person's boundaries.

What are some alternative ways to say "I don't mean to pry"?

You can use alternatives like "I hope I'm not intruding", "if you don't mind my asking", or "I'm not trying to be nosy depending on the context.

How can I follow up after saying "I don't mean to pry"?

After saying "I don't mean to pry", briefly explain why you're asking or what prompted your question. This can help the other person understand your intentions and feel more comfortable answering.

Is "I don't mean to pry" always effective in preventing discomfort?

While "I don't mean to pry" can soften the impact of an intrusive question, it doesn't guarantee complete comfort. Be mindful of the other person's body language and reaction, and be prepared to drop the topic if they seem uncomfortable.

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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I don't mean to pryGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

I don't mean to pry
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples