are questioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are questioning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of inquiring or expressing doubt about something. Example: "The students are questioning the validity of the experiment's results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Police are questioning suspects.

The New York Times

Police are questioning him.

The New York Times

Young Jews are questioning Israel.

The New Yorker

"We are questioning them".

The New York Times

They are questioning everything.

The Guardian

"People are questioning him now," she said.

The New York Times

Some educators are questioning its value.

The New York Times

But increasingly, Swedes are questioning these policies.

The New York Times

People are questioning everything — as they should.

The New York Times

Police are questioning a person of interest.

The New York Times

Police are questioning witnesses and suspects.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are questioning" to introduce critical analysis or evaluation of a subject, indicating an open-minded approach to examining different perspectives.

Common error

Avoid using "are questioning" when the intention is to make a definitive statement or express a strong opinion. "Are questioning" implies an open inquiry, not a closed conclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are questioning" functions as a present continuous verb phrase, indicating an ongoing action of inquiry or doubt. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts where individuals or groups express uncertainty or seek clarification on a particular subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are questioning" is a versatile and grammatically sound verb phrase used to indicate ongoing inquiry, doubt, or scrutiny. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and employed across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies the intent behind the inquiry and avoid using it in place of assertive statements. By considering the alternatives and common errors, writers can effectively use "are questioning" to add nuance and precision to their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are uncertain about

Highlights the lack of certainty or clarity regarding a particular topic.

are doubting

Implies a stronger sense of disbelief or uncertainty compared to simply questioning.

are skeptical about

Expresses a general feeling of doubt or disbelief towards something.

are inquiring

Focuses on the act of seeking information, often in a formal or investigative context.

are wondering about

Implies curiosity and contemplation without necessarily expressing strong doubt.

are investigating

Suggests a more formal and structured examination of a situation or issue.

are scrutinizing

Suggests careful and critical examination, often with a focus on identifying flaws or errors.

are challenging

Implies a confrontation or opposition to an existing idea or system.

are assessing

Focuses on evaluating or judging the quality or value of something.

are probing

Suggests a deeper, more thorough examination, often to uncover hidden information.

FAQs

How do I use "are questioning" in a sentence?

Use "are questioning" to indicate that individuals or groups are expressing doubt, inquiring about, or challenging something. For example, "Scientists "are questioning the results" of the study."

What can I say instead of "are questioning"?

You can use alternatives like "are doubting", "are inquiring", or "are challenging" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "are questioning" or "is questioning"?

"Are questioning" is used with plural subjects, while "is questioning" is used with singular subjects. For example, "They are questioning the decision," but "He is questioning the decision."

What's the difference between "are questioning" and "are asking"?

"Are asking" generally refers to seeking information, while "are questioning" can also imply doubt, scrutiny, or challenge. For instance, "The students "are asking about the deadline"", but "The critics "are questioning the director's choices"".