persistent interrogation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "persistent interrogation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is being questioned repeatedly or continuously, often in a formal or legal setting. Example: "The suspect faced persistent interrogation by the police, who were determined to uncover the truth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

These extensive retrograde amnesias are seldom total or uniform, and "islands" of memory often can be found by persistent interrogation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As the movie fills in Stephanie's story in flashbacks, the narrative revolves around her gently persistent interrogation by Lydie Crane Tilda Swintonn), the forensic psychologist hired by the prosecution to draw her out.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Skillful, patient, persistent, detailed interrogation over a period of months -- coupled with leniency incentives to talk and deceptive praise for the most recalcitrant -- is urgently needed to penetrate and disrupt suicidal cells around the world.

The New York Times

We also report on the relative absence of theoretical interrogation for the persistent adoption of smoking behaviours among present and successive lower socio-economic status (SES) cohorts.

Social Science & Medicine

Two "persistent critics of APA's role in the interrogation program, were invited by APA to review the... report in advance and give the society their feedback".

Science Magazine

Reisner and Soldz, persistent critics of APA's role in the interrogation program, were invited by APA to review the Hoffman report in advance and give the society their feedback.

Science Magazine

In spite of Polish leaders' persistent denials, the country's collaboration with the CIA interrogations has been disclosed through independent investigations by media and human rights groups, as well as a judgment by the European Court of Human Rights in July that Poland was liable for injuries to a former CIA detainee committed on its soil.

Los Angeles Times

In the West Bank, persistent reports of abuse emerged in the past two years from prisons and interrogation centers.

The New York Times

With the nagging anxiety of the new kid, my 'black girl strength' has been physically and mentally manhandled — by fingers that tug, rake, and rip through my 'pretty hair' without my consent, by slow interrogations of where I 'come from,' by a persistent, inexplicable sense of isolation, and the pause that comes when I am asked to explain why I feel this.

Huffington Post

Recognizing Ongoing and Persistent Dangers We know looking at ongoing civil litigation that abuse within interrogation rooms is ongoing and persistent.

Huffington Post

"Leaks defending the C.I.A. interrogation program regardless of underlying facts or costs have been a persistent problem for many years," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "persistent interrogation" when you want to convey a sense of determined and ongoing questioning, often in a formal or investigative context.

Common error

Avoid using "persistent interrogation" in casual conversation or informal writing. It sounds overly formal and can be replaced with simpler alternatives like "repeated questions" or "kept asking".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "persistent interrogation" functions as a noun phrase, where "persistent" modifies the noun "interrogation". Ludwig indicates it is grammatically correct. It typically serves to describe a sustained or continuous act of questioning.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "persistent interrogation" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that describes continuous and determined questioning. According to Ludwig, it is valid for use in written English. While its frequency is rare, the phrase appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica. It's best suited for formal contexts, such as describing legal investigations or historical analyses, and should be used cautiously in informal settings where simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relentless questioning

This alternative emphasizes the continuous and determined nature of the questioning.

continuous inquiry

This option highlights the ongoing nature of the investigation or questioning.

sustained questioning

This phrase focuses on the prolonged duration of the interrogation.

intensive questioning

This alternative emphasizes the depth and thoroughness of the questioning.

repeated questioning

This option underscores the repetitive nature of the interrogation.

prolonged examination

This phrase suggests an extended and detailed investigation through questioning.

unyielding questioning

This highlights the inflexibility and determination behind the questioning.

incessant inquiry

This emphasizes the ceaseless and often irritating nature of the questioning.

unremitting questioning

This phrase underscores the relentless and unwavering nature of the questioning.

tireless questioning

This highlights the unending effort put into the act of questioning.

FAQs

How can I use "persistent interrogation" in a sentence?

"Persistent interrogation" is often used in legal, investigative, or historical contexts. For example: "The suspect faced "persistent interrogation" by the detectives." or "The historian's "persistent interrogation" of the witness revealed new details about the event."

What are some alternatives to "persistent interrogation"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "persistent interrogation" include "relentless questioning", "continuous inquiry", or "sustained questioning".

When is it appropriate to use "persistent interrogation" instead of "repeated questions"?

"Persistent interrogation" is more appropriate when the questioning is formal, systematic, and aimed at uncovering specific information or a truth. "Repeated questions" is more general and can apply to less formal situations.

Is "persistent interrogation" a neutral term or does it imply something negative?

While technically neutral, "persistent interrogation" can often carry a slightly negative connotation, suggesting pressure or intensity in the questioning. The context heavily influences the perception.