question someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "question someone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express the act of asking someone about something, often to clarify or challenge their statements or actions. Example: "During the meeting, I decided to question someone about their reasoning behind the proposed changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"Does that answer your question?" someone asked.

The New Yorker

"It's not comfortable to question someone you idolise.

The Guardian - Books

If it's the first question someone asks, it's annoying.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I question someone trying to report externally before reporting internally," Mr. Sidle said.

The New York Times

What constitutes probable cause to detain and question someone about his or her legal status?

The New York Times

"There's no question someone is betting after the bell goes off," he said between simulcast races at Monmouth.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

When Campbell asked for questions, someone wanted to know about his position on Israel.

The New Yorker

During questions, someone asked if they could see Michael's "new leg".

The New Yorker

"Some people asking a few questions, someone might call on behalf of someone else to find out about it.

The Guardian - Sport

"This is not just a tool; this is actually shaping the kind of questions someone in literature might even ask".

The New York Times - Books

But as I tried to form my questions, someone moved the conversation back to what Brazil needed to do in the second half to knock Italy off.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In journalistic writing, "question someone" is a neutral and effective phrase for describing the process of gathering information.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "question someone" repeatedly in casual conversation can sound overly formal or accusatory. Opt for simpler alternatives like "ask" or "talk to" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "question someone" functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts, indicating its role in describing the act of seeking information or clarification from an individual.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "question someone" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase, predominantly found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI identifies its function as eliciting information or investigating scenarios. While versatile, it's important to consider the formality of the situation and choose appropriate alternatives when necessary. Top sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interrogate someone

This alternative implies a more formal and potentially aggressive form of questioning.

interview someone

This suggests a structured conversation to gather information.

ask someone questions

This is a more general and less forceful way of phrasing the query.

inquire of someone

This is a more formal and somewhat archaic way to say "ask someone".

examine someone

This suggests a detailed and careful questioning process.

probe someone

This implies persistent and in-depth questioning to uncover hidden information.

grill someone

This suggests intense and possibly hostile questioning.

debrief someone

This refers to questioning someone after a mission or event to gather information.

canvas someone

This implies contacting a number of people in order to obtain their opinions.

sound someone out

This suggests subtly questioning someone to gauge their views or feelings.

FAQs

How can I use "question someone" in a sentence?

You can use "question someone" to describe the act of asking questions to a person, often in an attempt to gain information or clarification. For example: "The police decided to "question someone" who might have witnessed the crime."

What's a more formal alternative to "question someone"?

More formal alternatives include "interrogate someone" or "examine someone". These options are suitable for legal or investigative contexts.

Is "question someone" appropriate for casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "question someone" might sound overly formal in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "ask someone" or "talk to someone" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "question someone" and "ask someone questions"?

"Question someone" is a more direct way of saying "ask someone questions". Both are correct, but "question someone" can sometimes imply a more focused or probing line of inquiry. For example, "I need to "question someone" about this situation." versus "I need to "ask someone questions" about this situation."