during questioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "during questioning" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a specific time frame or context in which someone is being questioned or interrogated. Example: "During questioning, the suspect refused to answer any of the detective's questions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

— Former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, during questioning.

The New Yorker

What law enforcement conduct is permissible during questioning?

University of California, Berkeley

Benjamín later acknowledged during questioning that his brother was dead.

The New York Times

As she awaited the guillotine, it was revealed that she had been tortured during questioning.

The New York Times

They often have little access to a lawyer and none during questioning.

The Economist

Doubts about the legitimacy of some exemptions have arisen during questioning of baseball officials by Congress.

The New York Times - Sports

Their father complained of chest pains during questioning and was hospitalized.

The New York Times

Initially composed, she later collapsed in tears and got down on the floor during questioning.

The New York Times

No one complains, for instance, when the village police routinely beat suspects during questioning.

The New York Times

He had previously been charged with lying to police during questioning about the killing.

The New York Times

But minutes later, Mr. Gordnick seemingly contradicted himself during questioning by a prosecutor, Steven C. Lember.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "during questioning", ensure the context clearly identifies who is doing the questioning and who is being questioned. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens clarity.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice constructions that obscure who is doing the questioning. For instance, instead of "information was revealed during questioning", write "the suspect revealed information during questioning".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during questioning" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by specifying when an action occurs. It sets a temporal context, indicating that something happened at some point while someone was being questioned. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "during questioning" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that specifies the timing of an event or action within the context of an interrogation or questioning process. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its prevalence in news reports, legal documents, and academic papers indicates a neutral to professional register. While it's versatile enough for informal settings, it's most commonly found in more formal and structured communication. Understanding its function and usage helps ensure clarity and precision in writing, avoiding common errors like obscuring the source of information. By considering context and exploring alternatives, writers can effectively convey the intended meaning with accuracy and nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under police questioning

Explicitly states that the questioning is being conducted by the police.

while being interrogated

Replaces "questioning" with "interrogated", implying a more formal or intense questioning process.

under interrogation

Uses a different preposition and noun to convey a similar meaning, focusing on the state of being questioned.

in the course of the interview

Replaces "questioning" with the broader term "interview", suitable for less formal scenarios.

during the examination

Implies a more formal or official inquiry, suitable for legal or professional settings.

as the suspect was questioned

Rephrases as a clause, highlighting the action of questioning and the subject being questioned.

while answering questions

A more general alternative, suitable for informal contexts where someone is simply answering questions.

while in custody for questioning

Specifies that the questioning occurs while the person is in custody, adding a legal dimension.

in response to inquiries

Shifts the focus to the response given during the questioning process.

when probed about

Uses "probed" to suggest a deeper, more investigative questioning approach.

FAQs

How is "during questioning" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "during questioning" usually introduces a circumstance or action that occurs while someone is being interrogated. For example: "During questioning, the suspect confessed to the crime."

What are some alternative phrases to "during questioning"?

Alternatives include phrases like "while being interrogated", "under interrogation", or "in the course of the interview", depending on the level of formality.

Is it more appropriate to use "during questioning" or "during the questioning"?

Both "during questioning" and "during the questioning" are grammatically correct, but "during questioning" is more common and concise. The addition of "the" doesn't significantly alter the meaning but can make the phrase slightly more formal.

Can "during questioning" be used in contexts other than legal or police interrogations?

Yes, while often associated with legal contexts, "during questioning" can apply to any situation where someone is answering questions, such as "during questioning from reporters" or "during questioning by the committee".