interrogating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "interrogating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is questioning or examining something or someone closely, often in a formal or investigative manner. Example: "The detective spent hours interrogating the suspect to uncover the truth behind the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The president's wife weighed in, personally interrogating some protest leaders and dismissing the abduction as a plot to bring down her husband.

The Guardian

One of many awards in Zuley's record file – bearing the name of Chicago mayor Richard Daley – praises his help in interrogating the two suspects who ultimately "admitted participating in the crime".

The Guardian

Speaking from Stateville correctional center, Griggs remembered Zuley and Abreu interrogating him.

The Guardian

LG Labour Club, Thu to 22 May LG As the election looms, the Unity Theatre brings together a terrific programme interrogating the democratic progress, asking who gets their voice heard, who is marginalised and what we can do about inequality.

The Guardian

Church says officers cuffed him to a bench for an estimated 17 hours, intermittently interrogating him without reading his Miranda rights to remain silent.

The Guardian

Ms Bralo did not give Mr Javid an easy ride, interrogating him as deftly and assertively as any television news anchor.Still, the prime minister's no-show was a shame.

The Economist

Interrogating prisoners is one way to do that.

The Economist

At a meeting in September the commissioners voted unanimously to ditch the spectrum-sensing requirement and let device-makers rely solely on interrogating online databases to find vacant channels.

The Economist

They also make for better rankings of graduate-recruitment schemes: the researchers of these rankings often interview students about their preferences, rather than interrogating those who have actually started a new job.

The Economist

It also raises some phoney ones.The Pentagon fears that to classify detainees as prisoners-of-war would prevent it interrogating them.

The Economist

ReprintsThe Kuwaiti authorities are interrogating three Afghan veterans accused of funnelling cash to al-Qaeda operatives in Yemen.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal or investigative contexts, use "interrogating" to convey a formal and thorough questioning process. This distinguishes it from casual questioning or interviewing.

Common error

Avoid using "interrogating" when "interviewing" is more appropriate. "Interrogating" implies suspicion or a formal investigation, while "interviewing" is neutral and fact-finding. Choose "interviewing" if the aim is to gather information without accusation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "interrogating" is that of a present participle or gerund, typically functioning as part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., "is interrogating") or as a noun. Ludwig AI indicates that this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "interrogating" functions primarily as a verb, denoting a formal and often intensive questioning process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used. Its communicative purpose centers around eliciting information, especially in scenarios implying authority or investigation. While its register is generally neutral, the term can take on a formal tone when employed in legal or official contexts. Common alternatives include "questioning", "examining", and "probing", each carrying slightly different connotations. When using "interrogating", ensure the context aligns with its formal, investigative implication to avoid miscommunication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

questioning

Focuses more broadly on the act of asking questions, without necessarily implying a formal investigation.

quizzing

Suggests a more informal and often rapid-fire style of questioning.

examining

Emphasizes a detailed and thorough investigation, often involving physical inspection.

probing

Implies a deeper, more invasive form of questioning aimed at uncovering hidden information.

grilling

Suggests intense, aggressive questioning, often in a hostile environment.

cross-examining

Specifically refers to the questioning of a witness by the opposing party in a legal setting.

debriefing

Describes a structured interview to gather information after a specific event or mission.

investigating

Focuses on a systematic inquiry to discover and examine the facts of an incident, allegation, etc. so as to establish the truth.

interviewing

Describes a formal consultation to evaluate someone's qualifications

canvassing

Refers to the process of going door-to-door or contacting people to gather opinions or support.

FAQs

How is "interrogating" different from "questioning"?

"Interrogating" implies a more formal, intensive, and often accusatory form of questioning, typically used in legal or investigative contexts. "Questioning" is a more general term for simply asking questions.

What are some synonyms for "interrogating" in a legal context?

In legal settings, you might use terms like "cross-examining", "probing", or "grilling" depending on the intensity and purpose of the questioning. However, consider also that a formal "deposition" is a useful synonym.

Is "interrogating" always associated with crime or suspicion?

While "interrogating" is often used in the context of criminal investigations, it can also refer to a thorough questioning in other formal situations where detailed information is needed, for example, a auditor thoroughly "querying" accounting records.

When is it more appropriate to use "interviewing" instead of "interrogating"?

Use "interviewing" when the process is primarily about gathering information in a neutral or exploratory manner, without the implication of suspicion or accusation. "Interrogating" suggests a more adversarial approach.