I queried

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I queried" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that you asked a question or sought information about something. Example: "I queried the database to find the information I needed for my report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"And you?" I queried.

The New York Times

"What happened?" I queried.

The New Yorker

When I queried why, he let loose.

Independent

"You didn't really do that, did you?" I queried.

The Guardian - Sport

I queried the very diligent Hong Kong Tourist Association.

The New York Times - Food

I queried friends, relations, professionals: What would you do?

The New York Times

I want to see everybody's vote on them …" "Like a tattoo, in or out?" I queried.

The Guardian

Neither I nor several senior friends I queried ever need to parallel park.

The New York Times

Indeed, Venetian-born Jews I queried were short on memories of the old cemetery.

The New York Times - Travel

When I queried Morris about this, he said, "I studied the score, not the ballets".

The New Yorker

I queried Erin McKean, editor of Verbatim, for other think-formations besides the odious sickthink.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I queried" when you want to express a formal or slightly investigative tone in your writing. It's more sophisticated than simply saying "I asked."

Common error

Avoid using "I queried" in very casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for "I asked" or a similar phrase in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I queried" is to serve as a verb phrase, where 'I' is the subject and 'queried' is the past tense of the verb 'query'. This phrase indicates the action of asking a question or making an inquiry. Ludwig examples confirm this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I queried" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies the act of asking a question, often with a hint of formality and investigation. Ludwig confirms its prevalence in news and media, where it lends a tone of thoughtful inquiry. While versatile, it's best reserved for contexts where its formality is appropriate, avoiding overuse in casual settings. Alternatives like "I asked" or "I inquired" may be more suitable for informal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I asked

This is a more direct and less formal alternative.

I inquired

Similar to "I queried" but slightly more formal.

I enquired

British English equivalent of "I inquired".

I questioned

Implies a more probing or skeptical inquiry.

I investigated

Suggests a more thorough and systematic examination.

I probed

Indicates a deep and persistent inquiry.

I examined

Focuses on careful and detailed inspection.

I sought information

A more descriptive and less concise alternative.

I requested clarification

Focuses on seeking a clearer understanding.

I consulted

Implies seeking advice or information from an expert or authority.

FAQs

What does "I queried" mean?

"I queried" means that you asked a question, often in a formal or investigative manner. It suggests a more thoughtful and deliberate inquiry than simply saying "I asked".

What can I say instead of "I queried"?

You can use alternatives like "I asked", "I inquired", or "I questioned" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "I queried"?

It's appropriate to use "I queried" in formal writing, reports, or when you want to emphasize the thoughtful nature of your inquiry. It's often used in journalistic or academic contexts.

Is "I queried" more formal than "I asked"?

Yes, "I queried" is generally considered more formal than "I asked". Using "I queried" suggests a more deliberate and perhaps investigative approach to asking a question.