a line of questioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a line of questioning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific series of questions directed towards a particular topic or issue. Example: "During the interview, the detective pursued a line of questioning that revealed crucial information about the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He should not have needed a line of questioning to reach that conclusion.

The Guardian - Sport

She pursued a line of questioning quite different from what I usually get.

The Guardian

Maybe he was just pleased to undergo a line of questioning he'd never encountered before.

The New York Times

But that cannot excuse a line of questioning that would never be believed if it were on screen.

Independent

The Reverend Jerry Falwell had just died, an event promising a line of questioning about politics and faith, which could not help Giuliani.

The New Yorker

In Alexandria, several African journalists were extremely interested in how Mogae planned to spend his money, a line of questioning that visibly irked the normally urbane Ibrahim.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's not a line of questioning he's enjoying so I ask him if he was surprised at the recent Cowell conception shock.

The Guardian

Rod Thorn and Kiki VanDeWeghe were entertaining a line of questioning about out of the box ideas and ESPN.com chose to make a story that doesn't exist.

The Guardian - Sport

That was a typical Ryan move: attempting to end a line of questioning by drawing on his reputation for wonkiness, and explaining how something works.

The New Yorker

Hillary Clinton had been waiting for this one: a line of questioning about Donald J. Trump's refusal to release his income tax returns.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We're talking about a man who's called Rosie O'Donnell a "fat pig," Mexican immigrants "rapists," and dismissed a difficult line of questioning from a female moderator as being linked to "blood coming out of her … wherever".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a line of questioning", ensure the context clearly indicates the subject or purpose of the questions to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "a line of questioning about the company's finances".

Common error

Avoid using the plural form "lines of questioning" when referring to a single, cohesive series of questions. "Lines of questioning" implies multiple, distinct approaches, while "a line of questioning" refers to one focused method.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a line of questioning" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb. Ludwig provides examples showing it describes a specific approach or method used in asking questions, often in investigations or interviews.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a line of questioning" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a specific series of questions, often within an investigation or interview. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and highlights its frequent use in News & Media. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the topic of inquiry and avoiding confusion with the plural form. Alternatives like "a series of questions" or "an investigative approach" may be suitable depending on the context. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively use "a line of questioning" to convey a focused and methodical approach to gathering information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of questions

This alternative focuses on the sequential nature of the questions.

a train of thought in inquiry

This alternative highlights the logical progression of the inquiry.

an investigative approach

This alternative emphasizes the methodical nature of the inquiry.

a course of interrogation

This alternative suggests a more formal or intense questioning process.

a systematic inquiry

This alternative stresses the organized and structured nature of the questioning.

a method of probing

This alternative highlights the act of exploring and uncovering information.

a pattern of inquiry

This refers to a recognizable and consistent style in questioning.

a detailed examination

This focuses on the thorough and meticulous nature of the questioning.

an angle of investigation

This suggests a specific perspective or direction in the questioning.

a route of examination

This presents questioning as a planned course, as if on a map.

FAQs

How can I use "a line of questioning" in a sentence?

You can use "a line of questioning" to describe a specific series of questions on a particular topic. For instance, "The lawyer pursued "a line of questioning" to establish the witness's credibility."

What can I say instead of "a line of questioning"?

You can use alternatives like "a series of questions", "an investigative approach", or "a method of probing" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. See also: "a series of questions".

Is it correct to say "lines of questioning"?

Yes, "lines of questioning" is correct, but it suggests multiple, distinct series of questions on different topics. "A line of questioning" refers to a single, focused series of questions. Use "lines" only if there are multiple distinct series of questions.

What's the difference between "a line of questioning" and "an interrogation"?

"A line of questioning" is a neutral term for any series of questions. "An interrogation" implies a more formal, often intense, questioning process, typically used by law enforcement or in adversarial situations.