cross examination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cross examination" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to refer to the questioning of a witness by the opposing party during a trial. Example: "During the trial, the defense attorney conducted a thorough cross examination of the prosecution's key witness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Talk about lackluster cross examination!

Huffington Post

The cross examination only got more contentious.

Vice

The legal system restricts cross examination in sex cases.

Huffington Post

At times Barnett's cross examination became heated.

Los Angeles Times

Finalize the cross examination.

WikiHow

Make a cross examination plan.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The cross-examination continues today.

The New York Times

The cross-examination is continuing.

The New York Times

She will expect cross-examination.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then it was time for cross-examination.

The New York Times

Boies demolished him during cross-examination.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cross examination" when specifically referring to the questioning of a witness by the opposing party in a legal setting.

Common error

Avoid using "cross examination" in non-legal contexts where a simpler term like "questioning" or "inquiry" would be more appropriate. The phrase carries a specific legal connotation that should be respected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cross examination" functions as a noun, specifically denoting a phase in legal proceedings where a witness is questioned by the opposing party. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a standard term in legal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cross examination" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe the questioning of a witness by the opposing party in a legal trial. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and typical use in legal contexts. While not extremely common, it appears frequently in news and media discussions of court cases and legal proceedings. When not in a legal setting, consider using alternative terms like "interrogation" or "witness examination" to avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

witness examination

A broader term that includes both direct and cross examination.

questioning of a witness

More descriptive and emphasizes the act of questioning.

interrogation

Focuses on the act of questioning, removing the legal trial context.

legal inquiry

Highlights the legal aspect, broadening the scope beyond just witness examination.

rigorous questioning

Highlights the intensity and thoroughness of the questioning process.

probing questions

Emphasizes the depth and intent of the questions, applicable outside legal settings.

challenging questions

Emphasizes the difficulty and adversarial nature of the questions.

deposition

Refers to a formal, out-of-court questioning under oath.

grilling

An informal term implying intense and potentially aggressive questioning.

third-degree

Similar to "grilling", but even more intense and potentially coercive.

FAQs

What is the purpose of a "cross examination" in court?

The purpose of a "cross examination" is to challenge the testimony of a witness presented by the opposing side, testing their credibility and uncovering potential biases or inconsistencies.

What's the difference between a direct examination and a "cross examination"?

Direct examination is when a lawyer questions their own witness. A "cross examination" is when the opposing lawyer questions that same witness to challenge their testimony.

Can I use simpler terms instead of "cross examination"?

While "cross examination" is the precise legal term, you could use "witness examination" or "questioning of a witness" in less formal contexts, but ensure the meaning remains clear and accurate.

How is a "cross examination" conducted?

A "cross examination" typically involves asking leading questions, challenging prior statements, and presenting evidence that contradicts the witness's testimony to undermine their credibility.