challenged them over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "challenged them over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation where someone confronted or questioned another party regarding a specific issue or topic. Example: "During the meeting, she challenged them over their decision to cut funding for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Through the day and into the evening, Goldman Sachs officials met with confrontation and blunt questioning as senators from both parties challenged them over their aggressive marketing of mortgage investments at a time when the housing market was already starting to falter.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Rights and wrongs Does a bank or building society have the right to throw you out if you challenge them over charges?

The Guardian - Money

That last time, Mr. Davis, who was 10, was playing with the Riverside Rangers, his school buddies in Greenwich, Conn., when a rival faction challenged them viciously over a makeshift fort.

The New York Times

What kind of signal are British authorities sending to despotic regimes and those who risk their lives to challenge them all over the world?

The Guardian

They'll definitely -- if you challenge them, they will be all over you.

The New York Times

Invite some friends over and challenge them to a battle.

WikiHow

The Greens may choose to bank what they can.But Ms Gillard faces challenges from them over another tax, on profits from iron ore and coal, Australia's two biggest exports.

The Economist

We've had some good challenges with them over the last couple of years but we've not quite got the wins and we look forward to changing that".

The Guardian - Sport

Challenged over Mr. Sarkozy's gloating over his appointment, Mr. Barnier, added: "I read all the comments.

The New York Times

Abbott has been challenged before over HIV/AIDS therapy.

Science Magazine

Switzerland has seen its banking secrecy laws challenged over the last year as other governments have gone after tax evaders and the banks that dealt with them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "challenged them over", ensure the context clearly specifies the issue or topic being disputed. For instance, "The lawyer challenged them over the inconsistencies in their testimonies."

Common error

Avoid using "challenged them over" without specifying what the challenge pertains to. Instead of saying "They challenged them over it", be precise: "They challenged them over the contract terms."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "challenged them over" functions as a verb phrase indicating confrontation or questioning regarding a specific issue. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

12%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "challenged them over" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to express disagreement or questioning regarding a particular issue. Ludwig AI validates its usability. While it is considered uncommon, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. For more formal settings, consider using alternatives like "questioned their stance on" or "disputed their claims regarding". When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly specifying the issue being challenged. Overall, it's a versatile phrase suitable for neutral to slightly informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenged their decisions on

Directly questions the basis and reasoning behind specific choices or rulings.

confronted them about

Implies a face-to-face encounter to address a specific issue or concern directly.

questioned their stance on

Focuses on inquiring about and potentially disputing a specific position or opinion.

disputed their claims regarding

Highlights disagreement and challenges the validity of particular assertions or statements.

criticized them for

Expresses disapproval and points out faults or shortcomings in their actions.

contested their authority concerning

Implies a challenge to someone's power or right in relation to a subject matter.

took issue with their approach to

Signals disagreement and opposition to a particular method or strategy.

debated their handling of

Suggests a formal discussion or argument about the way something was managed or dealt with.

raised concerns about their view on

Highlights worries and doubts regarding a particular viewpoint or perspective.

objected to their actions about

Indicates disapproval and opposition towards particular deeds or behaviors.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "challenged them over" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you could use phrases like "questioned their stance on" or "disputed their claims regarding", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "challenged them over" and "confronted them about"?

"Challenged them over" typically implies questioning or disputing a specific point or issue, whereas "confronted them about" suggests a more direct and potentially accusatory approach.

Is it appropriate to use "challenged them over" in academic writing?

Yes, it is appropriate, but consider using more formal alternatives like "critiqued their methodology regarding" or "questioned their assumptions about" for enhanced precision and academic tone.

What are some common prepositions to use after "challenged them"?

While "over" is common, you can also use "about", "on", or "regarding", depending on the nuance you want to convey. For instance, "challenged them about", "challenged them on", or "challenged them regarding" are all acceptable variations.