cross examining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cross examining" 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 began cross examining the prosecution's key witness to uncover inconsistencies in their testimony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Avoid cross examining just in case something useful crops up, since something detrimental could just as easily arise.

WikiHow

Ian Winter QC, cross examining, said the pair had consensual sex and her claims were "frankly absurd".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

So our counsel were cross-examining the police witnesses blind".

The Guardian

Currently, defense lawyers are cross-examining the prosecution witnesses.

The New York Times

A dog, cross-examining a cat in a courtroom filled with animals.

The New York Times

Cross-examining the complainant, Aylett said: "That is what you have been after all along.

The Guardian

But I don't get too involved in cross-examining the doctor.

The New York Times

(It was not always clear whether West was cross-examining her or vice versa).

The New Yorker

The prosecutor, Patrick J. Fitzgerald, left, spent three hours cross-examining the psychologist, Elizabeth Loftus.

The New York Times

He prowled the ghetto, visiting a synagogue, watching a circumcision, and happily cross-examining the rabbi.

The New Yorker

This approach worked well when it came to cross-examining the borrowers.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In a written context, use "cross examining" to imply a formal or legal context; otherwise, consider alternatives like "questioning" or "investigating" for broader applicability.

Common error

Avoid using "cross examining" in casual conversations or informal writing. The term carries a formal, legal connotation that can sound out of place in everyday settings. Using "questioning" or "investigating" will be more appropriate in non-legal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cross examining" functions as a verb phrase, specifically the present participle of the verb "cross examine". It typically describes the action of questioning a witness presented by the opposing side in a trial or hearing. Ludwig AI confirms its use in legal contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cross examining" is a verb phrase referring to the questioning of a witness by the opposing side in a legal proceeding. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and primarily used in formal contexts, particularly within news and media reporting on legal events and in Wiki articles. While effective in its specific context, it should be used judiciously in informal settings. Alternatives like "questioning closely" or "probing" may be more appropriate depending on the situation. Key best practices include preparing targeted questions and being mindful of the formal tone. A common mistake is overuse in casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

questioning closely

Emphasizes the intensity and detail of the questioning.

interrogating

Implies a more formal and potentially adversarial questioning.

probing

Focuses on uncovering hidden information through questioning.

challenging testimony

Highlights the act of questioning the validity of a statement.

grilling

Suggests aggressive and persistent questioning.

investigating through questioning

Highlights the use of questions as part of a broader investigation.

putting under scrutiny

Emphasizes close and critical questioning.

conducting a rigorous inquiry

Focuses on the thoroughness and systematic nature of the questioning.

doing inquisition

Suggests detailed and harsh questioning.

delving into details

Emphasizes detailed questioning, aimed at deep understanding.

FAQs

How is "cross examining" typically used in legal contexts?

In legal settings, "cross examining" refers to the questioning of a witness by the opposing party to challenge their testimony and uncover inconsistencies or biases.

What are some alternatives to "cross examining" in non-legal contexts?

In more general contexts, you can use phrases like "questioning closely", "investigating", or "probing" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "cross examining" and "examining" a witness?

"Examining" refers to the initial questioning of a witness by the party who called them, while "cross examining" is the subsequent questioning by the opposing party.

Is "cross examining" appropriate for informal discussions?

While grammatically correct, "cross examining" is more suitable for formal or legal settings. For informal discussions, consider using simpler terms like "questioning" or "asking questions".