he is interrogating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is interrogating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who is questioning another person, typically in a formal or investigative context. Example: "In the dimly lit room, he is interrogating the suspect about the events of that night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The next he is interrogating looters.

The New York Times

We've only just met and he is interrogating me to that end.

The Guardian - Music

In the opening sequence he is interrogating a serial killer who is hanging by his hands over a steep drop and ultimately loses his grip.

The New York Times

Montalbano is honest and decent, and he is happiest when the people he is interrogating cut the crap and speak the truth.

The Guardian - Books

Here he is interrogating Al Gore in the summer of 2000, following the display of one of his gotcha quotes, this one showing the younger Gore expressing ambivalence about legal abortion: russert: When do you think life begins?

The New Yorker

Here he is interrogating Al Gore in the summer of 2000, following the display of one of his gotcha quotes, this one showing the younger Gore expressing ambivalence about legal abortion: **{:.break one} ** russert: When do you think life begins?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

You see the resolution in everything he does and then when he is interrogated the impression is compounded.

Independent

He is interrogated jointly by FBI and CIA officers. .

Los Angeles Times

There are two occasions when he is interrogated by the authorities regarding taxes.

Huffington Post

In one scene, he's interrogating Carroll in jail.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He was interrogating Taliban prisoners, and one was John Walker.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is interrogating" to convey a formal or investigative tone. It implies a structured questioning process aimed at uncovering specific information.

Common error

Avoid using "he is interrogating" in casual conversations. This phrase carries a sense of authority and formality, making it inappropriate for everyday situations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "he is asking" or "he is questioning" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is interrogating" functions as a present continuous verb phrase, describing an ongoing action. Ludwig AI shows this phrase being used to depict a person actively engaged in questioning someone, typically within a formal context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is interrogating" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase used to describe someone who is actively and formally questioning another person. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral tone. While it's suitable for describing formal investigations or legal proceedings, it should be avoided in casual conversations. Alternatives such as "he is questioning" or "he is interviewing" may be more appropriate in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is questioning

This is a more general term for asking questions, and lacks the implication of a formal investigation.

he is querying

This alternative suggests a more formal and systematic approach to questioning.

he is examining

This term implies a more in-depth and analytical approach to questioning, as if inspecting something carefully.

he is probing

This suggests a more subtle and indirect way of questioning, often to uncover hidden information.

he is grilling

This suggests a more intense and aggressive form of questioning.

he is cross-examining

This term specifically refers to the questioning of a witness by the opposing side in a legal setting.

he is interviewing

This suggests a more conversational and information-gathering approach to questioning.

he is investigating

This term encompasses a broader range of activities than just questioning, including gathering evidence and following leads.

he is debriefing

This term refers to questioning someone after they have completed a mission or task, to gather information and insights.

he is canvassing

This term means to solicit votes or support from people.

FAQs

What does "he is interrogating" mean?

The phrase "he is interrogating" refers to someone formally and systematically questioning another person, typically to obtain information for an investigation or inquiry.

When is it appropriate to use "he is interrogating"?

Use "he is interrogating" in situations involving formal investigations, legal proceedings, or any context where a structured questioning process is underway. Avoid using it in casual or informal settings.

What can I say instead of "he is interrogating"?

You can use alternatives like "he is questioning", "he is interviewing", or "he is probing" depending on the context.

Is "he is interrogating" different from "he is questioning"?

Yes, while both involve asking questions, "he is interrogating" implies a more formal, structured, and often investigative process, whereas "he is questioning" is a more general term.