be questioned on whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be questioned on whether" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of being asked about a specific issue or topic, particularly in formal or academic contexts. Example: "The committee will be questioned on whether their decision aligns with the established guidelines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I suspect the editor of Vogue won't be questioned on whether topless pictures are on its pages.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

All candidates for the job were questioned on whether the agency could be run with less money.

The New York Times

At a State Department briefing recently, a spokesman, Mark Toner, was questioned on whether there had been planning for a post-Saleh Yemen.

The New York Times

Page took the witness stand on Wednesday and Thursday and was questioned on whether there were any similarities between Stairway to Heaven and Taurus.

The Guardian - Music

And Mr. Paulson and Mr. Bernanke, who thought preserving a deal would keep markets calm in the thick of the financial crisis, are being questioned on whether they pressured a company's executives into ignoring their duty to their shareholders.

The New York Times

Prosecutors want to ask Mr. Boies about testimony Mr. Swartz gave while being questioned on whether he had told Mr. Boies about a $12.5 million loan from Tyco that was later forgiven.

The New York Times

In his first interview on the topic after days of stonewalling, Cameron was questioned on whether there was a conflict of interest between his father setting up the Panama-based Blairmore Investment Trust, which did not have to pay UK tax on its profits, and his professed policy to crack down on aggressive tax avoidance.

The Guardian

Despite remaining tight lipped over his Rita Ora reference on Better Things, during the Q&A, Rocky was questioned on whether his lyrics are misogynistic, to the point that he declared, "I'm scared of women now", as well as coming out with such classic aphorisms as "a female's vagina is the most addictive thing in the world".

The Guardian - Music

Towards the end of the debate, after being questioned on whether abortion should be legal in cases of rape or incest, Mourdock answered: "I struggled with it myself for a long time, but I came to realise life is a gift from God and, even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something that God intended to happen".

Vice

Hoping to rebound in 2008 09, Kiprusoff arrived for the start of the season in better shape, but continued to struggle as he was questioned on whether his heavy workload the previous three seasons – he played 76, 74 and 74 games of a possible 82 – were taking a toll on him.

Wikipedia

Chelsea are also in Thailand and new manager Jose Mourinho was questioned on Friday about whether he was interested in signing Rooney. .

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, "be questioned on whether" is preferable to more casual alternatives like "be asked if". This elevates the tone and conveys a sense of seriousness.

Common error

Avoid using "be questioned on whether" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "be asked if" or "be asked about" are more appropriate in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be questioned on whether" functions as a passive construction used to indicate that someone is subjected to questioning about a specific topic or condition. As Ludwig AI indicates, this construction is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be questioned on whether" is a grammatically correct and usable construction, typically found in formal contexts such as news and media or scientific publications. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While it effectively conveys the act of inquiry or investigation, remember to reserve it for formal settings, as simpler alternatives are more suitable for casual communication. When writing, ensure that the context warrants the formality of the phrase, as its overuse in informal settings can sound unnatural. Finally, consider related phrases like "be asked if" or "be inquired about whether" depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be asked if

This alternative is more direct and less formal.

be inquired about whether

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes a thorough investigation.

be interrogated regarding whether

This alternative suggests a more intense and possibly adversarial questioning.

be probed on whether

This alternative implies a deeper, more persistent line of questioning.

face questions about whether

This alternative emphasizes the confrontation aspect of being questioned.

be examined concerning whether

This alternative suggests a formal and detailed review.

be queried on the subject of whether

This alternative adds specificity to the topic of the questioning.

be canvassed about whether

This alternative suggests a broad and inclusive survey of opinions.

be polled regarding whether

This alternative indicates a structured collection of opinions.

be interviewed with respect to whether

This alternative focuses on a formal conversation to gather information.

FAQs

How can I use "be questioned on whether" in a sentence?

The phrase "be questioned on whether" is used to indicate that someone is being asked about a specific issue or topic. For example, "The CEO will "be questioned on whether" the company can meet its financial targets."

What's a less formal alternative to "be questioned on whether"?

A less formal alternative to "be questioned on whether" is to use phrases like "be asked if" or "be asked about", which are more appropriate for casual conversations.

Is it correct to use "be questioned about whether" instead of "be questioned on whether"?

While "be questioned on whether" is correct, "be questioned about whether" is also acceptable and can often be used interchangeably. However, "on whether" tends to be more formal and specific.

What is the difference between "be questioned on whether" and "be interrogated regarding whether"?

"Be questioned on whether" implies a general inquiry, whereas "be interrogated regarding whether" suggests a more intense and possibly adversarial questioning. The latter is often used in legal or investigative contexts.