I was questioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "I was questioned" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that you were asked questions, such as by a police officer, teacher, or parent. For example, "The police officer asked me a number of questions, and I was questioned for two hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

I was questioned by two judges.

The Guardian

I was questioned until 2 30 a.m.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I was questioned for a couple of hours.

Independent

I was questioned early on about my objectivity.

Harvard Business Review

I'm not sure how long I was questioned.

The Guardian - Opinion

I mean, I was questioned about this armed robberies...we'll let the people decide.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Nationally, I am questioned about it all the time.

Vice

If we lose I will be questioned.

BBC

"I have only been questioned once".

The New York Times

"I guess my parenting skills were questioned".

The New York Times

I wasn't questioned".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was questioned", ensure the context clarifies who did the questioning and, if relevant, the purpose or subject of the questioning. For example, "I was questioned by the police about the incident" provides clarity.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by specifying who did the questioning. Vague sentences like "I was questioned" can leave the reader wondering about the source of the questions. Instead, clarify with phrases like "I was questioned by my manager" or "I was questioned by the committee".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was questioned" functions as a statement in the passive voice, indicating that the subject (I) was the recipient of the action (questioning). This construction is commonly used to describe situations where the speaker was subjected to inquiry, often in formal or investigative contexts. The examples from Ludwig confirm this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Academia

4%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was questioned" is a common and grammatically correct passive voice construction used to describe the experience of being asked questions, often in a formal or investigative setting. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is widely found in news and media, as well as academic contexts. When using this phrase, it is essential to clarify who did the questioning to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "I was interviewed" or "I faced interrogation" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances. The phrase's frequency and authoritative sources demonstrate its widespread acceptance and proper usage in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I underwent questioning

Uses a more formal verb ("underwent") to describe the act of being questioned, suggesting a structured or official process.

I faced interrogation

Emphasizes a more intense and potentially adversarial form of questioning, often associated with legal or investigative contexts.

I was interviewed

Suggests a formal conversation to gather information, which can be less accusatory than "questioned".

I was subject to inquiry

Presents the questioning as part of a formal investigation or examination.

I had to answer questions

Focuses on the obligation to respond to inquiries, rather than the act of questioning itself.

I was asked about

A more general way of saying one was questioned, without specifying the intensity or formality of the questioning.

I was examined

Implies a detailed and thorough investigation, which may include questioning.

I went through a questioning process

Highlights the structured nature of the questioning, emphasizing it as a procedure or series of events.

I was vetted

Suggests that the questioning was part of a screening process to assess suitability or trustworthiness.

I responded to inquiries

Shifts the focus to the act of providing answers, rather than the experience of being questioned.

FAQs

How can I use "I was questioned" in a sentence?

Use "I was questioned" to indicate that you were asked questions, typically in a formal or investigative setting. For example, "I was questioned by the detectives regarding the case".

What can I say instead of "I was questioned"?

You can use alternatives like "I was interviewed", "I faced interrogation", or "I underwent questioning", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "I was questioned" or "I have been questioned"?

Both are correct but have slightly different meanings. "I was questioned" refers to a specific past event, while "I have been questioned" implies questioning occurred at some point in the past and may have relevance to the present.

What's the difference between "I was questioned" and "I was asked questions"?

"I was questioned" implies a more formal or official setting, often with an element of investigation or scrutiny. "I was asked questions" is a more general statement that simply indicates someone posed questions to you.