have been questioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'have been questioning' is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to express the idea that something has been the subject of inquiry over a period of time. For example, "Experts have been questioning whether this new policy will be effective."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Credit rating agencies have been questioning Congress about its credibility.

The New York Times

Short-sellers have been questioning Green Mountain's accounting for months.

The New York Times

Many Latin American leaders and others have been questioning the current prohibitionist doctrine.

The New York Times

Investors and analysts have been questioning how the company should be valued.

The New York Times

Fans and sports commentators have been questioning the Venky's judgment for months.

The New York Times

Recently, historians have been questioning the existence of "ships of fools," said Dr. Torrey.

The New York Times

But airline experts have been questioning whether on-board systems are adequate.

The New York Times

For more than a century artists across the board have been questioning fundamental assumptions about art.

The New York Times

Investors have been questioning Priceline and other e-tailers since March.

The New York Times

More than obsess about the trial, people have been questioning their own opinions and even, in some cases, their allegiances.

The New York Times

Over the past year, the regulators at the UN have been questioning and rejecting a higher share of projects.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been questioning" to indicate an ongoing process of inquiry or doubt, particularly when the period of questioning is relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "have been questioning" when describing a single instance of questioning that has already concluded. Instead, use a simple past tense construction such as "questioned."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been questioning" functions as a present perfect continuous verb phrase, indicating an action that started in the past and continues into the present. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been questioning" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide acceptance. It is particularly useful for expressing ongoing doubts or inquiries, especially in news, scientific, and business contexts. However, it's important to use it appropriately, avoiding its misuse with single, completed events. When aiming for similar meanings, consider alternatives like "have been investigating" or "have been doubting", depending on the desired nuance. As Ludwig's examples illustrate, the key is to accurately convey the continuous nature of the inquiry or doubt.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been investigating

Focuses more on a formal inquiry or examination.

have been doubting

Emphasizes the feeling of uncertainty or disbelief.

have been scrutinizing

Highlights a close and critical examination.

have been challenging

Suggests a more confrontational or argumentative approach.

have been probing

Implies a deeper, more exploratory inquiry.

have been inquiring about

Focuses on seeking information or clarification.

have been debating

Highlights a formal discussion involving opposing arguments.

have been pondering

Implies thoughtful consideration and reflection.

have been suspecting

Suggests a belief that something may be wrong or dishonest.

have been unsure about

Highlights a lack of certainty or confidence.

FAQs

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

Use "have been questioning" to indicate that someone or a group of people has been expressing doubts or investigating something over a period of time. For example, "Experts "have been questioning" the effectiveness of the new policy since its implementation".

What phrases are similar to "have been questioning"?

Similar phrases include "have been investigating", "have been doubting", or "have been scrutinizing", each with slightly different nuances in meaning.

Is it correct to use "have been questioning" in all contexts?

While generally correct, avoid using "have been questioning" for single, completed events. Use simpler past tense forms like "questioned" instead. For example, instead of "They "have been questioning" him yesterday", say "They questioned him yesterday".

What's the difference between "have been questioning" and "began questioning"?

"Have been questioning" implies an ongoing process, while "began questioning" indicates the start of that process. "They "have been questioning" the results" suggests the inquiry is still active. "They began questioning the results" indicates when the inquiry started but doesn't specify if it's still ongoing.