have been questioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been questioned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something has undergone questioning in the past and may still be relevant to the present. Example: "The witnesses have been questioned multiple times to ensure their testimonies are consistent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

His father and brother have been questioned.

The Economist

No Russian officials have been questioned.

Independent

All have been questioned by police.

The Economist

Several others have been questioned.

The Guardian

Fifteen Turks have been questioned.

The New York Times - Sports

His time sheets have been questioned.

The New York Times

Others have been questioned and released.

The New York Times

D'Amato's ethics have been questioned again and again.

The New Yorker

Mr. Zakhilwal's financial dealings have been questioned before.

The New York Times

They could have been questioned about: If they did it?

Independent

Four others have been questioned in connection with the massacre.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been questioned", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what did the questioning. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "have been questioned" when the questioning is ongoing or immediate. Instead, use "are being questioned" or "are questioning" to reflect the present continuous action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been questioned" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject has undergone an inquiry or interrogation. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase primarily serves to report that someone or something was subjected to questioning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been questioned" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive construction that indicates a subject has undergone an inquiry. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is appropriate across various contexts, including news, science, and general communication. The phrase functions to report or inform about past questioning events, maintaining a generally neutral register. Related phrases offer nuanced alternatives, while writing guidance emphasizes clarity and correct tense usage. The provided FAQs address common usage questions. Given its prevalence and diverse application, understanding the appropriate use of "have been questioned" is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were investigated

Focuses more directly on the act of investigation, implying a formal inquiry.

were interviewed

Specifically refers to a formal questioning process, usually for gathering information.

were interrogated

Implies a more intensive and potentially confrontational questioning.

were scrutinized

Shifts focus to a detailed and critical examination, rather than direct questioning.

were examined

Suggests a formal review or inspection, which may or may not involve direct questioning.

were probed

Indicates a thorough and often sensitive inquiry into a matter.

were challenged

Emphasizes the act of disputing or questioning the validity of something.

were audited

Suggests a formal financial or operational review, where discrepancies are questioned.

were reviewed

Implies a careful assessment or evaluation, where aspects may be questioned.

were assessed

Focuses on evaluating or judging something, with potential for questioning its merits.

FAQs

How can I use "have been questioned" in a sentence?

The phrase "have been questioned" indicates that someone or something has been subject to inquiry. For example: "The witnesses "have been questioned" multiple times to ensure their testimonies are consistent."

What are some alternatives to "have been questioned"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "were investigated", "were interviewed", or "were scrutinized" as alternatives to "have been questioned".

Is it correct to say "has been questioned" instead of "have been questioned"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "has been questioned" for singular subjects (e.g., "He has been questioned") and "have been questioned" for plural subjects (e.g., "They "have been questioned"").

What is the difference between "have been questioned" and "are being questioned"?

"Have been questioned" refers to a completed action in the past, whereas "are being questioned" indicates an action that is currently in progress. For example, "The suspects "have been questioned"" implies the questioning is finished, while "The suspects are being questioned" means it is ongoing.