questioned it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "questioned it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone expressing doubt or seeking clarification about a specific matter or statement. Example: "When she heard the news, she immediately questioned it, wanting to know more about the source."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But others questioned it.

The New York Times

And I questioned it.

The New York Times

We questioned it.

The New York Times

… We all still questioned it.

The New York Times

"Nobody questioned it for years".

The New York Times

I questioned it".

The New York Times - Health

I would've questioned it".

The Guardian - Film

No one questioned it.

The New York Times

"I questioned it for a while.

The New York Times

"I never questioned it," McCarthy told me.

The New Yorker

Senior management will be questioned, it added.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "questioned it" when you want to convey a sense of doubt or inquiry without necessarily implying outright disagreement. It's suitable for situations where someone is seeking more information or clarification.

Common error

Avoid using "questioned it" when a stronger term like "refuted it" or "rejected it" is more appropriate. "Questioned it" implies doubt or inquiry, not necessarily a firm dismissal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "questioned it" primarily functions as a verb phrase where "questioned" is the past tense of the verb "question" and "it" is a pronoun functioning as the object. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used and follows standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "questioned it" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for conveying doubt or seeking clarification, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it maintains a neutral register. When writing, ensure its intensity aligns with your intended meaning; alternatives like "doubted it" or "challenged it" may be more fitting depending on the specific nuance you wish to express. Remember, this phrase typically implies an expression of doubt or a request for clarification, rather than a complete rejection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doubted it

Emphasizes disbelief or uncertainty.

challenged it

Suggests a more direct confrontation or dispute.

inquired about it

Focuses on seeking information or clarification.

expressed doubt about it

More explicitly conveys a feeling of uncertainty.

took issue with it

Highlights disagreement or objection.

expressed reservations about it

Implies a more formal or cautious concern.

investigated it

Implies a more formal and systematic approach to finding the truth.

scrutinized it

Emphasizes a thorough and critical examination.

disputed it

Indicates a disagreement and often a formal argument.

demurred to it

Indicates a polite refusal or objection.

FAQs

How can I use "questioned it" in a sentence?

You can use "questioned it" to indicate that someone has expressed doubts or sought clarification about something. For example: "When she heard the news, she immediately "questioned it", wanting to know more about the source."

What can I say instead of "questioned it"?

You can use alternatives like "doubted it", "challenged it", or "inquired about it" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "questioned it" or "questioned about it"?

"Questioned it" is generally correct. "Questioned about it" can sometimes be used, but it depends on the context. For example, you might say "He questioned her about it."

What's the difference between "questioned it" and "investigated it"?

"Questioned it" implies asking about something or expressing doubt, while "investigated it" suggests a more thorough and systematic inquiry to uncover the truth.