questioning of whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "questioning of whether" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing doubts or uncertainties regarding a particular issue or situation. Example: "The questioning of whether the new policy will be effective has sparked a lively debate among the staff."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"There is a sense of questioning, of whether you belong, about what your status is in this country".

The Guardian

After the faultless staging of the Games, who can forget the Mittster's ungracious questioning of whether the Brits were up to the task?

The New Yorker

Mr. Perry sought to cast comments about Social Security in his recent book as more about the financial solvency of the program and less about his questioning of whether it should have existed in the first place.

The New York Times

But for all her success, politically and as a feminist, the most telling moment in Albright's book is her questioning of whether a married woman with full domestic responsibilities could ever be the player she was on the world stage.

The Guardian

Perhaps the surest sign of the endurance and importance of Watergate-legacy investigative reporting is the questioning of whether the news media should have more aggressively and quickly exposed the underlying causes of recent national crises.

The Washington Post

The accusations against Mr. Borer, who was recalled by the Swiss Foreign Ministry after they surfaced, have led to public questioning of whether the popular press has too much influence on government.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

To the question of whether questioning technique creates a comfortable atmosphere for students to ask questions, however, 16 (48.5 %) participants replied 'So-so' (Table 2).

BMC Medical Education

Last August a debate on transgender identity on Newsnight fell apart when the programme was accused of questioning "whether or not trans people have a right to exist", something it plainly was not doing.

The Guardian

The questioning of Tyson about whether he did or did not scuffle with Warren added a sense of chaos to a news conference that was bizarre even by the eccentric standards that boxing has set.

The New York Times - Sports

At times, Woods has been downright confrontational if he doesn't like the tone of questioning, regardless of whether or not it's fair.

The Washington Post

It's a moment of self-questioning, of wondering whether the system itself, with its fictions and with the realities that they reconcile, has self-contradicting limits.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For formal writing, consider using "inquiry into whether" as a more refined alternative.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "questioning of whether" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "wondering whether" or "doubting if" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "questioning of whether" functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces an element of doubt or inquiry regarding a specific condition or possibility, as demonstrated by Ludwig in various examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "questioning of whether" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for expressing doubt or initiating inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usefulness across various contexts. While suitable for formal writing, simpler alternatives might be preferred in casual settings. Its communicative purpose involves prompting further examination or challenging existing assumptions. Be mindful of its register and context to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doubt as to whether

Replaces "questioning" with "doubt" and uses "as to" instead of "of", indicating uncertainty.

inquiry into whether

Substitutes "questioning" with "inquiry", suggesting a formal investigation or examination.

wondering whether

Replaces the noun phrase with a gerund phrase, emphasizing a state of uncertainty or curiosity.

raising doubts about whether

Adds "raising doubts about" to explicitly express the act of introducing uncertainty.

expressing skepticism about whether

Emphasizes a skeptical viewpoint regarding the truth or validity of something.

investigating whether

Focuses on a systematic or formal examination to determine the truth or accuracy.

probing whether

Suggests a thorough and detailed examination to uncover hidden information.

examining whether

Implies a careful and detailed inspection to assess the validity or feasibility.

considering if

Simplifies the phrase to a more basic expression of contemplation.

assessing whether

Focuses on evaluating or judging the likelihood or impact of something.

FAQs

How can I use "questioning of whether" in a sentence?

You can use "questioning of whether" to introduce doubt or uncertainty about a situation. For example, "The "questioning of whether" the project would succeed caused considerable anxiety among the team members".

What are some alternatives to "questioning of whether"?

Alternatives include "doubt as to whether", "inquiry into whether", or simply "wondering whether", depending on the level of formality required.

Is "questioning of whether" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "questioning of whether" is appropriate for formal writing. However, consider alternatives like "inquiry into whether" for an even more refined tone.

What's the difference between "questioning of whether" and "doubting whether"?

"Questioning of whether" implies a more active investigation or examination, while "doubting whether" suggests a state of uncertainty or disbelief. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing the process of inquiry or the feeling of doubt.