a series of interrogatories

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a series of interrogatories" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts or discussions involving questions or inquiries, particularly in formal settings. Example: "The lawyer submitted a series of interrogatories to gather more information from the opposing party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"The collection and production of the materials demanded was tantamount," he said, "to answering a series of interrogatories asking a witness to disclose the existence and location of particular documents fitting certain broad descriptions".

The New York Times

The Southern Claims Commission, which operated from 1871 to 1880 to compensate loyal Southerners for property taken or damaged by Union forces during the war, determined claimants' eligibility for compensation on the basis of answers to a series of interrogatories that asked claimants to account for themselves during the "rebellion".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Employees can help such supervisors by asking a series of what Camp calls "interrogatory questions".

Forbes

However, at times courts employ "special verdicts" or "special interrogatories" in which the jurors are asked to decide a series of specific factual issues that bear on the overall verdict.

Britannica

A series of pauses?

The New Yorker

A series of blows?

The New York Times

Then, a series of firsts.

The New York Times

Just a series of numbers.

The New Yorker

A series of misidentifications ensue.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Other players conducted a series of interviews.

The New York Times - Sports

School becomes a series of hurdles.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a series of interrogatories", ensure the context is appropriate for formal or legal settings. In less formal situations, consider using simpler alternatives such as "a set of questions".

Common error

Avoid using "a series of interrogatories" in casual conversations or informal writing. It may sound overly formal and unnatural. Opt for more common phrases like "some questions" or "a few inquiries" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a series of interrogatories" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as the subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig examples show its use in legal and formal contexts, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of its correctness in such settings.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

17%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a series of interrogatories" is a grammatically sound noun phrase primarily used in legal and formal contexts to denote a set of formal written questions. While correct, it's relatively rare, as highlighted by Ludwig. When writing, it's best to reserve this phrase for situations that warrant a high degree of formality, like legal documents or news reports about legal proceedings. Otherwise, consider using simpler alternatives like "a set of questions" or "formal inquiries".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a set of questions

Replaces the formal term 'interrogatories' with a more general term 'questions'.

a sequence of queries

Synonymous replacement of 'series' with 'sequence' and 'interrogatories' with 'queries'.

a battery of questions

Substitutes 'series' with 'battery' implying a large and potentially overwhelming number of questions.

a chain of inquiries

Replaces 'interrogatories' with 'inquiries' making it slightly less formal and substituting 'series' with 'chain'.

a string of questions

Substitutes 'series' with 'string', implying a linear connection between the questions.

a round of questioning

Uses a different structure, focusing on the act of questioning rather than the questions themselves.

a compilation of questions

Implies a gathering or collection of questions from various sources or times.

a spectrum of inquiries

Substitutes 'series' with 'spectrum' implying questions span across an array of topics.

a catalog of inquiries

Synonymous replacement of 'questions' with 'inquiries' and 'series' with 'catalog'.

a list of questions

Simplifies the phrasing to a basic list, losing some of the formality.

FAQs

What does "a series of interrogatories" mean?

The phrase "a series of interrogatories" refers to a set or sequence of formal written questions used in legal proceedings to gather information from a party involved in the case.

When is it appropriate to use "a series of interrogatories"?

It is appropriate to use "a series of interrogatories" primarily in legal contexts, such as during the discovery phase of a lawsuit, when formal questioning is required to gather evidence.

What are some alternatives to "a series of interrogatories"?

Some alternatives to "a series of interrogatories" include "a set of questions", "a list of questions", or "formal inquiries", depending on the level of formality required.

How does "a series of interrogatories" differ from a regular questionnaire?

While both involve asking questions, "a series of interrogatories" is specifically used in legal settings and carries legal weight. A regular questionnaire is a more general term for any set of questions, often used for surveys or data collection.