questioned

USAGE SUMMARY

"questioned" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You could use it when referring to asking a person a series of inquiries. For example, "The police officer questioned the suspect thoroughly before determining his innocence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I am very aware that some have questioned whether the number plates were in some way a prank.

The Guardian

It is also, of course, a universal rather than a means-tested benefit in an age when universal benefits are increasingly questioned.

The Guardian - Opinion

During the hearing, it emerged that neither HMRC, the Treasury or the UK bank regulators appear to have questioned why HSBC's Swiss subsidiary had become a magnet for thousands of rich people across Europe and whether there was any systemic problem in the bank's governance.

The Guardian

World Wildlife Fund Australia welcomed the end to offshore dumping but questioned the need to expand the port during a coal industry downturn.

The Guardian

We might have questioned his politics, but we couldn't condemn them.

The Guardian - Books

Morrison, who was questioned three times during the Friday conference about the two unaccompanied minors, issued a range of contradictory responses.

The Guardian

CIDC has questioned USAid's target for local spending and says its members help to transfer technical expertise by hiring and mentoring local staff.

The Guardian

While some have questioned whether Bale is too young to move abroad at this stage, Coleman has no reservations the forward will be able to handle life on and off the field at Real Madrid if Tottenham sanction his departure.

The Guardian - Sport

The actor was handcuffed, put in the back of a police car and questioned by the officers after refusing to confirm her identity and walking away from the police.

The Guardian - Film

They were later questioned by Rome's anti-terrorist prosecutor, who has opened an investigation into their abduction.

The Guardian

ICE took the people in the home into custody and they will be questioned and fed, Palmore said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "questioned", ensure the context clearly indicates whether it implies a neutral inquiry, a challenge, or a formal interrogation. Clarity enhances effective communication.

Common error

Avoid vague passive sentences where it's unclear who did the questioning. Instead of saying "It was questioned", specify who raised the questions for clarity: "Analysts questioned the report's findings."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "questioned" is as a verb, typically in the past tense or as a past participle. It indicates the act of asking questions or expressing doubt. Ludwig examples show its usage in contexts ranging from police interrogations to challenges against established norms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "questioned" functions primarily as a verb denoting inquiry or doubt. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, especially in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, its implications range from simple information gathering to challenging established facts. To ensure clear communication, avoid vague passive constructions and specify who is doing the questioning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

called into question

This alternative emphasizes the act of expressing doubt or challenging the validity of something.

expressed doubt about

Focuses on the expression of uncertainty or skepticism regarding something.

raised doubts regarding

Highlights the act of introducing uncertainty or skepticism concerning something.

queried the validity of

Emphasizes the action of formally questioning the truth or accuracy of something.

challenged the accuracy of

Focuses on disputing the correctness or precision of something.

investigated the matter of

This phrase shifts the focus to a formal inquiry or examination of a subject.

scrutinized the details of

Highlights a thorough and critical examination of specific aspects.

probed the circumstances surrounding

Focuses on a detailed investigation into the events or conditions related to something.

interrogated about

Refers specifically to a formal questioning, often in a legal or investigative context.

interviewed regarding

Indicates a formal conversation to gather information or perspectives.

FAQs

How can I use "questioned" in a sentence?

Use "questioned" to indicate that someone has been asked questions, or that the validity of something has been doubted. For example, "The suspect was "questioned" by the police" or "Experts "questioned" the study's methodology".

What's a formal alternative to the word "questioned"?

Formal alternatives to "questioned" include "interrogated", "queried", or "investigated", depending on the specific context.

When should I use "questioned" instead of "asked"?

"Questioned" implies a more formal or probing inquiry than "asked". Use "questioned" when someone is being formally "interviewed" or when the truth or accuracy of something is being challenged.

Can "questioned" imply doubt or disbelief?

Yes, "questioned" can imply doubt or disbelief. For example, "Analysts "questioned" the company's financial projections" suggests they doubted the accuracy of those projections.