interrogate him

USAGE SUMMARY

"interrogate him" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to suggest that someone should interrogate someone else to gain information. For example "The police interrogated him for hours, trying to get to the bottom of the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

According to the Senate report findings, the two men assessed the suspect - said to be waterboarded more than 100 times - and recommended only they should further interrogate him on a monthly basis, charging four times that of other interrogators.

BBC

The Egyptians used harsh techniques to interrogate him -- what many would call 'torture.' He told his interrogators that al Qaeda had received chemical and biological training from Saddam Hussein's Iraq.

Huffington Post

"I didn't interrogate him much.

Independent

"It was the only time I probably did interrogate him.

The New York Times

"They will interrogate him in a different way," he says flatly.

Independent

He was on the mend, the Russian authorities said, and they were hoping to interrogate him.

The New York Times - Magazine

While the gunman remains unconscious, Mr. Matic said, the police expect to interrogate him.

The New York Times

Four "very senior Provisionals" came to Duddy's house to interrogate him.

The Guardian

Using Felix's absurdly effective cauterizer, they patch up Bernard and interrogate him.

The New Yorker

There were no further attempts to interrogate him in late August and early September.

The New Yorker

The day after her date, Larissa calls Angus over to interrogate him about what happened while she was gone.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "interrogate him", ensure the context aligns with the intensity of the word. It implies a formal or serious questioning, often with the goal of uncovering something hidden or sensitive.

Common error

Avoid using "interrogate him" in casual situations where simpler terms like "ask him" or "question him" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make the interaction seem overly formal or aggressive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "interrogate him" functions as a verb phrase where "interrogate" is the transitive verb and "him" is the direct object. According to Ludwig AI, this is a correct and usable expression. The phrase indicates a formal or intense questioning process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "interrogate him" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly within news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it is generally appropriate for describing formal or intense questioning, it's important to consider the context to avoid overuse in casual situations. Alternatives such as "question him" or "interview him" may be more suitable depending on the specific scenario. The phrase carries a neutral tone, but the intensity of the word "interrogate" should align with the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

question him

Focuses on asking questions, a more general term than interrogate.

interview him

Suggests a formal questioning session, like in journalism or hiring.

debrief him

Implies gathering information after a mission or event.

examine him

Suggests a detailed and thorough inquiry, possibly more formal.

grill him

Indicates intense and aggressive questioning.

cross-examine him

Refers to questioning in a legal setting, often challenging the person's statements.

investigate him

Implies a broader inquiry to uncover facts or wrongdoing.

probe him

Suggests a subtle and indirect way of asking questions.

audit him

Refers to a systematic review, typically in a financial or procedural context.

pump him for information

Indicates aggressively extracting information, often with some craftiness.

FAQs

What does "interrogate him" mean?

The phrase "interrogate him" means to ask someone detailed and often probing questions, typically in a formal setting, to gain information. It implies a more intense and systematic questioning than simply asking.

When is it appropriate to use "interrogate him"?

It's appropriate to use "interrogate him" when describing a formal questioning process, such as in law enforcement, investigations, or serious inquiries where the goal is to uncover specific information.

What are some alternatives to "interrogate him"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "question him", "interview him", "debrief him", or "examine him". The best choice depends on the specific situation and the level of formality.

Is there a difference between "question him" and "interrogate him"?

Yes, while both involve asking questions, "interrogate him" suggests a more formal, intense, and systematic questioning process. "Question him" is a more general and neutral term, suitable for less formal contexts.