interrogate them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "interrogate them" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is questioning or examining another person, often in a formal or investigative setting. Example: "The detective was determined to interrogate them thoroughly to uncover the truth behind the incident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

When we do detain a suspect, we interrogate them.

The New York Times

"They arrest people, detain them and interrogate them.

The New York Times

Because they will find them, interrogate them, get their password and hack the page".

The New York Times

As long as the detainees remain at Guantánamo, the military continues to interrogate them.

The New Yorker

I found it necessary to interrogate them, to investigate their intentions.

The New Yorker

A brave young MTV correspondent named Gideon Yago showed up to interrogate them.

The New Yorker

"It would appear that the Iranians were within their right to interrogate them".

The New York Times

"He called to meet me and said: 'Don't bother to interrogate them.

The New York Times

The new government here would like to arrest the men and the Americans would surely like to interrogate them.

The New York Times

"We interrogate them, we talk to them," said one of Mr. Gennadi's friends in the unit, Yigal Shubaev.

The New York Times

"It would be one thing to round up suspects, interrogate them and put them on trial," the letter said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "interrogate them", ensure the context justifies the intensity implied by the word. Opt for alternatives like "question them" or "interview them" if a more neutral tone is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "interrogate them" in informal situations, as it can sound overly aggressive or dramatic. Simpler alternatives like "ask them" or "talk to them" are often more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "interrogate them" functions as a verb phrase where 'interrogate' is the transitive verb and 'them' is the object pronoun. According to Ludwig, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English. This phrase is typically used to describe a formal questioning process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

13%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "interrogate them" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase primarily functioning as a verb phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate in various professional contexts, especially News & Media. While effective, the choice of using this phrase depends heavily on the context. Alternatives like "question them" or "interview them" can provide a more neutral tone, if needed. Use "interrogate them" when the situation warrants the implication of a more intense, formal, or investigative questioning process. Be aware of the potential for overuse in casual conversations, where gentler alternatives might be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

question them

This is a direct and neutral alternative, suitable for most contexts, lacking the intensity of an interrogation.

grill them

Implies a more aggressive and persistent questioning, often used in investigative contexts.

interview them

A more formal and structured questioning, often used in professional or journalistic settings.

examine them

Suggests a thorough and detailed inquiry, often in a legal or investigative context.

probe them

Implies a careful and strategic questioning to uncover hidden information.

debrief them

A specific type of questioning focused on gathering information after an event or mission.

cross-examine them

A legal term for questioning a witness already examined by the opposing side.

investigate them

Focuses on a broader inquiry and fact-finding mission, including questioning.

audit them

Similar to investigate but in a formal or legal structure.

ask them questions

A very basic phrase, this is neutral but can lack precision in specific contexts.

FAQs

What does "interrogate them" mean?

"Interrogate them" means to ask someone detailed questions, often aggressively or formally, in order to gain information, usually in an investigation or legal context.

When is it appropriate to use "interrogate them"?

It is appropriate to use "interrogate them" when describing a formal or intense questioning process, such as by law enforcement, investigators, or in situations where someone is suspected of wrongdoing. If you want a less aggressive tone, alternatives like "question them" may be better.

What are some alternatives to "interrogate them"?

You can use alternatives like "question them", "interview them", "examine them", or "probe them", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "interrogate them" and "question them"?

"Interrogate them" implies a more formal, intense, and potentially aggressive questioning, often in an official investigation. "Question them" is a more neutral and general term for asking questions.