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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
questions were conducted
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "questions were conducted" is not correct in standard English usage.
It is likely intended to convey that questions were asked or administered, but "conducted" is not the appropriate verb for questions. Example: "The survey was completed, and the questions were asked to gather feedback from participants."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(5)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
16 human-written examples
A demographic chart review and a personal interview consisting of 29 questions were conducted for each subject.
Science
A semi-qualitative survey based on multiple choice, open, and visual questions were conducted with a representative sample of the Dutch population (N = 517).
Additional analyses of Likert-style questions were conducted using Kruskal Wallis analysis of variance to compare effectiveness of treatments [5].
Statistical analyses used to address our questions were conducted using SAS SAS Institute Inc.., release v. 9.1, 2002 2003).
Science
Interviews containing open-ended questions were conducted.
Science
The responses on various questions were conducted using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with Varimax rotation.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
44 human-written examples
A process of selection, classification and adaptation of the questions was conducted and new questions were asked; all of these focused on the aim of this study.
First, a questionnaire with four simple questions was conducted to identify the general profile of each participant: Q 1: What is your current professional occupation?
Once consent was given, a telephone interview utilising a survey instrument with open and closed questions was conducted in 2009.
Science
Information on study characteristics were extracted and tabulated and quality assessment, using a checklist of 18 questions, was conducted.
In order to achieve this, a qualitative study based on explorative interviews with open-ended questions was conducted [ 16, 17].
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Instead of saying "questions were conducted", use more appropriate verbs like "asked", "administered", or "posed" to ensure grammatical correctness. For example, "The questions were asked during the interview" or "The survey questions were administered online".
Common error
Many writers incorrectly use "conduct" with "questions", likely due to its association with processes or activities. "Conduct" implies managing or carrying out a procedure, whereas asking questions is a direct action. Avoid this by choosing verbs that accurately describe the act of questioning, such as "ask", "pose", or "administer".
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
Incorrect Usage: The phrase "questions were conducted" is grammatically incorrect. While it attempts to convey that questions were part of a process, the verb "conducted" is misused. Ludwig AI indicates that 'conduct' should be paired with actions or processes, not questions themselves.
Frequent in
Science
61%
News & Media
22%
Academia
17%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "questions were conducted" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. As Ludwig AI points out, it is more appropriate to use verbs such as "asked", "administered", or "posed" when referring to questions. While the phrase appears in various contexts, primarily in scientific and news-related sources, its incorrect usage diminishes its effectiveness. Alternative phrases such as "inquiries were carried out" or "surveys were administered" provide more accurate and formal ways to express the intended meaning. When crafting content, opting for these alternatives enhances clarity and credibility.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
inquiries were carried out
Replaces "questions" with "inquiries" and "conducted" with "carried out" offering a more formal tone.
surveys were administered
Substitutes "questions" with "surveys" and "conducted" with "administered", implying a structured set of questions.
interviews were held
Replaces "questions" with "interviews" and "conducted" with "held", suggesting a conversational approach.
a questionnaire was administered
Transforms the plural "questions" into the singular "questionnaire" focusing on the tool used.
polls were implemented
Uses "polls" instead of "questions", suggesting a broader, often quantitative, approach.
examinations were performed
Employs "examinations" for "questions", indicating a more formal assessment.
queries were undertaken
Replaces "questions" with "queries" and "conducted" with "undertaken", presenting a more formal and investigative nuance.
investigations were pursued
Substitutes the entire phrase to emphasize the act of investigating rather than simply asking questions.
assessments were executed
Uses "assessments" to describe a formal evaluation process instead of just questions.
probing was initiated
Replaces "questions" with "probing", highlighting an investigative or exploratory approach.
FAQs
What is the correct way to say "questions were conducted"?
The phrase "questions were conducted" is grammatically incorrect. It's better to say "questions were asked", "inquiries were made", or "surveys were administered" depending on the context.
How can I use "administered" instead of "conducted" in relation to questions?
You can say "The questionnaire was "administered" to the participants" or "The survey was "administered" online" instead of "The questionnaire was conducted...".
What are some alternatives to "questions were conducted" that sound more formal?
More formal alternatives include "inquiries were carried out", "an examination was performed", or "a detailed "assessment was executed"".
Is it ever appropriate to use "conduct" in the context of asking questions?
The verb "conduct" is typically used with nouns referring to events, experiments, or investigations, not with "questions". For example, "to "conduct an investigation"" or "to "conduct an experiment"" are correct usages.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested