I interrogate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I interrogate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is describing the act of questioning or examining someone closely, often in a formal or investigative setting. Example: "As a detective, I interrogate suspects to gather information about the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Or, "Who should I interrogate today?" and before I could respond he was off.

The New Yorker

I always follow my interest and trust my interest, but I also think I interrogate my interest in a piece before I say yes".

The New York Times

I find these monsters and I spit in their faces — ptui! — when they try to flirt with me while I interrogate them.

The New Yorker

I find these monsters and I spit in their faces ptui!—when they try to flirt with me while I interrogate them.

The New Yorker

Whether I pay or not, I have no way of knowing whether the staff receive the money, unless I interrogate them on the matter, which is hardly my idea of a great end to a night out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I interrogate my professional knowledge and experience as a teacher educator, raising questions about the adequacy of my support for student teachers as they enter this new landscape.

Teaching and Teacher Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"Did you invite them in?" I interrogated Greg.

Independent

With a small wand, I interrogated the defibrillator.

The New York Times - Magazine

Many terrorists whom I interrogated told me they expected America to ultimately fold.

The New York Times

"The ones I interrogated, anyways, had the attitude that we were like traitors," one veteran says.

The New York Times

The men I interrogated acknowledged that this behavior happens, but denied participating themselves.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I interrogate" when you want to convey a sense of formal or intense questioning. The term implies a structured and purposeful approach to extracting information, often with an investigative undertone.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "I interrogate" can sound overly formal or aggressive in everyday interactions. Opt for words like "ask", "question", or "enquire" in less formal settings to avoid sounding intimidating.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I interrogate" primarily functions as a declarative statement where the subject ("I") performs the action of "interrogating". This aligns with Ludwig's identification of its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I interrogate" is grammatically sound and usable for describing a formal or intense questioning. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, while the examples showcase its presence in News & Media and scientific contexts. Though accurate, its formality suggests using alternatives such as "I question" or "I examine" in casual contexts. The frequency of "I interrogate" is uncommon, therefore writers might consider the audience to ensure the language used is appropriate for that context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I question

Simple substitution of "interrogate" with the more general term "question".

I examine

Replaces "interrogate" with "examine", emphasizing a careful and detailed inspection.

I quiz

Uses "quiz" instead of "interrogate", implying a less formal and potentially shorter questioning session.

I investigate

Emphasizes the process of carrying out a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of an incident, allegation, etc. so as to establish the truth.

I probe

Implies a deeper, more thorough questioning aimed at uncovering hidden information.

I survey

Suggests a broader, more general questioning or examination of a topic or group.

I enquire

Uses a slightly more formal and polite term for asking questions.

I canvas

Implies systematic detailed surveying or questioning.

I cross-examine

Specifically refers to questioning a witness already examined by the opposing side.

I debrief

To question someone, typically upon their return from a mission or project, about what happened and what they learned.

FAQs

How can I use "I interrogate" in a sentence?

You can use "I interrogate" to describe a formal questioning process. For instance, "As a detective, I interrogate witnesses to uncover the truth" or "Before making a decision, I interrogate my own motives".

What's the difference between "I question" and "I interrogate"?

"I question" is a general term for asking something. "I interrogate" implies a more formal, systematic, and often intense questioning process, similar to an investigation. Consider using "I question" in less formal setting.

What are some alternatives to "I interrogate"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "I question", "I examine", "I probe", or "I investigate". The choice depends on the level of formality and intensity you wish to convey.

Is "I interrogate" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "I interrogate" is suitable for academic writing when describing a critical examination or analysis of a topic or source. It suggests a deep and structured inquiry. It is not wrong to use it but consider that a word like "examine" might be more versatile.