by interrogating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by interrogating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the method of obtaining information or understanding through questioning or inquiry. Example: "The detective gathered crucial evidence by interrogating the witnesses thoroughly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

One does not interrogate a text by interrogating its author.

The Guardian - Books

By interrogating them, Flanders was exhibiting the bias typical of the Beeb's focaccia-eating lefties.

The Guardian - Opinion

You have violated the law by interrogating me for more than 24 hours.

The New York Times

They have narrowed their focus with new intelligence seized in searches and obtained by interrogating prisoners, officials said.

The New York Times

One student said she didn't know that the university can find out where students go and how long they stay by interrogating the locks.

The New York Times

She spent the night examining the requests one by one as they scrolled by — interrogating each zombie, trying to find a key to the attacker's strategy.

The New Yorker

The chief focus of the U.S. military detention center in Guantánamo Bay is to gain "actionable intelligence" by interrogating the detainees.

The New Yorker

Thanks to information acquired by interrogating detainees, officials identified one of the few al-Qaeda couriers trusted by Mr bin Laden.

The Economist

When referees start digging for evidence by interrogating a player, it is a clear sign that they are ready for help from some more neutral party.

The New York Times - Sports

Those concerns were shared by the Supreme Court of Canada, which ruled in 2010 that Canadian agents had violated Mr. Khadr's rights by interrogating him at Guantánamo Bay.

The New York Times

Philosophers have made useful contributions by interrogating the details of psychiatric concepts.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by interrogating" when you want to emphasize a detailed and direct method of questioning, often in the context of investigation or research. It's suitable for formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "by interrogating" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler terms like "by asking" or "by questioning" would be more appropriate. The phrase can sound overly formal or aggressive in everyday settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by interrogating" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the method or means by which an action is performed. It describes how information is obtained or a result is achieved. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by interrogating" serves as a prepositional phrase, highlighting a direct and detailed questioning method to gain information. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it carries a formal register suited for professional discourse. When choosing to use "by interrogating", it's important to consider the context and ensure that a simpler alternative like "through questioning" or "by examining" isn't more appropriate, especially in informal settings. Remember to reserve this phrase for situations where a thorough and focused line of inquiry is emphasized.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by questioning

This alternative uses the gerund form of the verb and suggests an active process of inquiry.

through questioning

This alternative is more general and emphasizes the act of asking questions, without necessarily implying a formal or intense process.

through inquiry

This is a more formal alternative to "through questioning" and suggests a systematic process of seeking information.

by inquiring

This alternative suggests a formal and polite way of asking for information.

via investigation

This focuses on a systematic or formal inquiry, often involving detailed examination of evidence.

by probing

This implies a deeper, more invasive form of questioning or investigation.

by examining

This suggests a careful and detailed inspection or analysis, which may not always involve direct questioning.

by scrutinizing

This suggests a very close and critical examination, looking for flaws or inconsistencies.

by analyzing

This focuses on breaking down a complex topic into smaller parts to understand it, rather than directly questioning someone.

by surveying

This suggests collecting data from a broad sample, often through questionnaires or polls.

FAQs

How is "by interrogating" used in a sentence?

The phrase "by interrogating" is used to describe the action of gaining information through detailed and direct questioning. For example, "The police gathered evidence "by interrogating" the suspect."

What are some synonyms for "by interrogating"?

Alternatives to "by interrogating" include "through questioning", "by examining", or "via investigation". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "by interrogating" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "by interrogating" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic, scientific, or legal contexts. It conveys a sense of thoroughness and directness in the questioning process.

What's the difference between "by questioning" and "by interrogating"?

"By questioning" is a more general term, while "by interrogating" implies a more intensive and formal process of questioning, often used in investigative or research settings. "By interrogating" is more specific and suggests a focused line of inquiry.