line of questioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "line of questioning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a series of questions in a dialogue or a specific set of questions. For example: During the job interview, the interviewer pursued a line of questioning about my previous experience.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Eddie's line of questioning attempted to elicit responses to direct questions that were not being answered".

Independent

Some questioned whether Mr. Bieber should have been subjected to the line of questioning at all.

The New York Times

Here's another controversial line of questioning.

The New York Times

She expected this line of questioning.

The New Yorker

Rice mocked my line of questioning.

The New Yorker

Mr. Cuccinelli stayed with his line of questioning.

The New York Times

Naturally, McInerney is used to this line of questioning.

The Guardian - Books

Trump was clearly prepared for the Lewandowski line of questioning.

The Guardian - Opinion

Gutierrez remembers being baffled by the line of questioning.

The New Yorker

He did not like my line of questioning.

The New Yorker

Ryan seems puzzled by this line of questioning.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "line of questioning" to refer to a specific and related set of inquiries during an interview, interrogation, or examination. It implies a focused and strategic approach to gathering information.

Common error

Avoid using "line of questioning" when referring to random or unrelated questions. Ensure that the questions form a coherent sequence aimed at exploring a particular topic or issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "line of questioning" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in describing a specific series of questions, often within a formal or investigative context. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "line of questioning" is a correct and commonly used noun phrase that refers to a specific, focused series of questions. As indicated by Ludwig, it is particularly prevalent in news and media contexts but also appears in formal and business settings. It describes a deliberate and strategic approach to inquiry. When using this phrase, ensure the questions are related and contribute to a cohesive investigation or exploration of a topic. Alternative phrases include "series of questions" or "course of inquiry", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

series of questions

Focuses on the sequential nature of the questions asked.

course of inquiry

Emphasizes the investigative aspect of the questioning.

method of interrogation

Highlights a more formal and structured approach to questioning.

train of inquiry

Similar to "line", but slightly more literary and emphasizes a directed thought process.

sequence of inquiries

Like "series", but uses a more formal term for questions.

set of questions

A more general term that refers to a defined collection of questions.

string of questions

Highlights the consecutive nature of the questions.

form of questioning

Focuses on the style or manner in which questions are posed.

avenue of questioning

Suggests a particular direction or approach to the questioning.

path of investigation

Focuses on the investigative process rather than the specific questions.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "line of questioning" in a sentence?

Use "line of questioning" to describe a specific series of related questions, often in a formal context such as an interview or investigation. For example, "The lawyer pursued a rigorous "line of questioning" to reveal inconsistencies in the witness's testimony."

What are some alternative phrases I can use instead of "line of questioning"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "series of questions", "course of inquiry", or "method of interrogation". These alternatives emphasize different aspects of the questioning process.

Is there a difference between "line of questioning" and "area of questioning"?

"Line of questioning" implies a directed and related series of questions, while "area of questioning" refers to a broader topic or subject that questions might cover. The former is more focused and strategic.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "line of questioning"?

Use "line of questioning" when you want to emphasize the strategic or focused nature of a series of questions, particularly in situations like legal proceedings, interviews, or investigations where the questions are designed to elicit specific information or reveal a particular truth.