I was interrogated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was interrogated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where someone was questioned, often in a formal or legal context. Example: "After the incident, I was interrogated by the police for several hours to gather more information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

After 10 days, I was interrogated.

The Guardian

I was interrogated by ISIS five times.

The New Yorker

"I was interrogated all night for three nights.

The Guardian

I was interrogated four times in that branch.

The Guardian

"I was interrogated three times and confronted with increasingly wild theories.

The Guardian

"I wake up in the morning and remember that I was interrogated for espionage.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

With one partner we made up a scenario where I was interrogating her over expensive art she had stolen.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I was interrogating a fidgety informer who spun a vivid account -- delivered to him, he explained, by a swarthy foreigner -- of an intricate assassination conspiracy and an ensemble cast that boasted mob hit men, Cuban émigrés and Marilyn Monroe.

The New York Times - Books

He was alright with it but I think he got annoyed towards the end, which was valid—I was interrogating him with his dick out.

Vice

At this point, I am interrogated by Billy and another soldier, in scary mode, screaming questions in my face.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Proving that I would last exactly three minutes had I been interrogated by the Stasi, I blurted: "O.K., I'm a Critical Shopper for The New York Times.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was interrogated" when you want to convey a sense of formality or intensity in the questioning. Consider the context to determine if a more neutral term like "questioned" is more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "I was interrogated" in casual conversation. It implies a level of severity that might be inappropriate. Opt for simpler terms like "I was asked" or "I was questioned" in everyday scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was interrogated" functions as a statement indicating that the speaker was subjected to a formal and often intense questioning process. Ludwig shows many examples of the phrase being used in first-person narratives to describe experiences with law enforcement, security personnel, or other authority figures.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was interrogated" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a formal questioning, often associated with authority figures or situations involving suspicion. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, predominantly in the news and media sector. While acceptable, it's important to consider the context, as using the phrase in casual scenarios might be an overstatement. Alternatives such as "I was questioned" or "I was asked" may be more appropriate in informal settings, while "I was grilled" or "I was cross-examined" might better capture a more aggressive questioning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I underwent questioning

Replaces "interrogated" with the more neutral "questioning."

I was questioned extensively

Adds emphasis to the thoroughness of the questioning.

I faced interrogation

Focuses on the act of facing the process.

I was subjected to interrogation

Highlights the involuntary nature of the experience.

I was grilled

Uses a more informal term, "grilled", to indicate intense questioning.

I was cross-examined

Suggests a legal or formal setting.

They questioned me

Changes the sentence structure to active voice.

I answered questions

Focuses on the act of answering, implying prior questioning.

I had to give answers

Indicates compulsion and responding to queries.

I was interviewed closely

Replaces "interrogated" with a more neutral term, and emphasizes the closeness of the interview.

FAQs

What's a less formal way to say "I was interrogated"?

You can use phrases like "I was questioned", "I was asked", or "I was interviewed" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "I was interrogated"?

It's appropriate when describing a formal questioning process, often by authorities or in situations where there's a sense of suspicion or investigation.

Is there a difference between "I was interrogated" and "I was interviewed"?

"Interrogated" implies a more intense, possibly adversarial questioning, while "interviewed" suggests a more neutral information-gathering process. The term "interviewed" is usually preferrable.

What are some synonyms for "I was interrogated" that imply a more aggressive questioning?

Synonyms like "I was grilled" or "I was cross-examined" can imply a more forceful or challenging questioning.