interrogate intensely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "interrogate intensely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is questioning another person thoroughly or rigorously, often in a serious or investigative manner. Example: "The detective had to interrogate intensely to uncover the truth behind the suspect's alibi."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

To make sure no Chinese were using false identification papers to gain entrance under one of the permitted categories, immigration officers detained all new arrivals from China and interrogated them intensely about their identity, sometimes for months.

The New York Times

A lot of people got interrogated very intensely.

Vice

"We have no doubt that Ramzi bin al-Shibh is the witness, and assume he was intensely interrogated about the attacks," Mr. Rühle said in court, according to The Associated Press.

The New York Times

Though probably not a day will pass in which I don't think about my family, I don't have to interrogate the past so intensely any more.

The Guardian - Books

"His interrogator interrogated.

The New Yorker

Interrogate household staff.

The New Yorker

They interrogate everyone around".

The New York Times

Intensely sombre.

The Guardian - Film

Intensely quiet.

The Guardian

"He's intensely curious.

The New York Times

It is intensely theatrical.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "interrogate intensely" when you want to emphasize the thoroughness and rigor of questioning, often implying a serious or investigative context. Ensure the subject matter warrants such intensity.

Common error

Avoid using "interrogate intensely" in everyday conversations or situations where a simple question would suffice. This phrase carries a weight that can sound overly dramatic or aggressive if misapplied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "interrogate intensely" functions as a verb-adverb combination, where "interrogate" is the action and "intensely" modifies the verb to describe the manner of questioning. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "interrogate intensely" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe thorough and rigorous questioning. Ludwig AI confirms that it is appropriately used in various contexts, primarily in News & Media. While not extremely common, it effectively conveys a serious and in-depth inquiry. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "question thoroughly" or "grill rigorously" to fit specific contexts. Use this phrase judiciously to maintain appropriate tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

question thoroughly

Focuses on the completeness of the questioning, emphasizing that all aspects are covered.

grill rigorously

Suggests a more forceful and persistent questioning, often in a pressured situation.

probe deeply

Implies an investigation that goes beyond the surface to uncover hidden information.

examine closely

Emphasizes a detailed and careful analysis through questioning.

investigate thoroughly

Highlights the comprehensive nature of the inquiry, ensuring all details are checked.

scrutinize intensely

Suggests a critical and highly focused examination through questioning.

cross-examine sharply

Refers specifically to a legal context, indicating a challenging and incisive questioning.

interrogate aggressively

Emphasizes the assertive and potentially confrontational nature of the questioning.

analyze exhaustively

Highlights a comprehensive and detailed analysis through interrogation.

debrief extensively

Implies a long and detailed questioning process to gather all relevant information after an event.

FAQs

How can I use "interrogate intensely" in a sentence?

You can use "interrogate intensely" to describe a rigorous questioning process, such as "The detective had to interrogate intensely to uncover the truth behind the suspect's alibi."

What are some alternatives to "interrogate intensely"?

Alternatives include "question thoroughly", "grill rigorously", or "probe deeply", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "interrogate intensely" in formal writing?

Yes, "interrogate intensely" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in contexts involving investigations, legal proceedings, or serious inquiries. However, ensure the tone matches the formality of the piece.

What is the difference between "interrogate" and "interrogate intensely"?

"Interrogate" simply means to question, whereas "interrogate intensely" emphasizes the thoroughness, rigor, and possibly the pressure applied during the questioning process. The latter suggests a more serious and in-depth inquiry.