are being questioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are being questioned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where individuals or subjects are currently undergoing inquiry or interrogation. Example: "The witnesses are being questioned by the police to gather more information about the incident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rotations are being questioned.

The Washington Post

Three men are being questioned by police.

The Guardian

They are being questioned at separate West Yorkshire police stations".

Independent

The suspects are being questioned at various police stations.

Independent

Several prominent people in the business world are being questioned.

The Economist

Yet even in Britain basic precepts are being questioned.

The Economist

Both left companies whose accounts are being questioned by regulators.

The Economist

Sixty-four employees at the stations are being questioned.

The New York Times

Both are being questioned at a police station in Northamptonshire.

The Guardian

The suspects are being questioned but have not been charged.

The New York Times

Several other people were also held and are being questioned.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are being questioned", ensure the context clearly indicates who is doing the questioning and the purpose of the inquiry. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "are being questioned" in overly complex sentences where simpler active voice constructions would be clearer and more direct. For instance, instead of "The methods that are being questioned by the committee are…", consider "The committee questions the methods…".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being questioned" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of being questioned. It is used to describe a situation where individuals or entities are currently undergoing interrogation or inquiry, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are being questioned" functions as a passive verb phrase, signaling an ongoing process of inquiry or investigation. According to Ludwig, this construction is grammatically correct and frequently appears in neutral contexts, primarily within News & Media sources. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding who is conducting the questioning and the purpose behind it. While "are being questioned" is widely accepted, consider alternative phrasings like "are under investigation" or "are being interviewed" for nuanced meaning. Overall, it’s a versatile and common expression to indicate scrutiny and inquiry.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are under investigation

Focuses specifically on a formal inquiry being conducted.

are being investigated

Similar to "are under investigation" but emphasizes the act of investigating.

are under scrutiny

Highlights a careful and critical examination.

are being scrutinized

Similar to "are under scrutiny" but emphasizes the act of scrutinizing.

are being interviewed

Specifies the questioning as part of a formal interview process.

are being probed

Suggests a thorough and detailed inquiry.

are being examined

Focuses on a detailed and systematic inspection.

are subject to inquiry

Highlights the liability of being formally questioned.

are facing interrogation

Emphasizes a more intense and formal questioning.

are being vetted

Indicates a thorough background check and evaluation.

FAQs

How do I use "are being questioned" in a sentence?

Use "are being questioned" to indicate that someone or something is currently undergoing inquiry or interrogation. For example, "The suspects "are being questioned" by the police" or "The company's financial practices "are being questioned" by regulators".

What's the difference between "are being questioned" and "are questioned"?

"Are being questioned" indicates an ongoing process, while "are questioned" suggests a general or habitual action. For instance, "The witnesses "are being questioned" now" versus "Witnesses "are questioned" in every case".

What can I say instead of "are being questioned"?

You can use alternatives like "are under investigation", "are being interviewed", or "are under scrutiny" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "are being questioned"?

While "are being questioned" is in the passive voice, its appropriateness depends on the context. Use the active voice (e.g., "The police are questioning the suspect") when you want to emphasize the actor. Use the passive voice when the action is more important than the actor or when the actor is unknown (e.g., "The suspect "are being questioned"").