questions were raised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "questions were raised" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing concerns, inquiries, or issues that have been brought to attention in a particular context. Example: "During the meeting, several questions were raised regarding the new policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Questions were raised in the Commons.

Independent

What questions were raised concerning their passage?

The New York Times

Questions were raised about their antiquity.

The New York Times - Science

But immediately new questions were raised.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Goldstein withdrew after questions were raised about his résumé.

The New York Times

Still, actual serious questions were raised in the hearings.

The New Yorker

Questions were raised: Was Vice-President Biden texting?

The New Yorker

After the article's publication, questions were raised about the study.

The New York Times - Magazine

But several legal questions were raised by the move.

The New York Times

As with all good conferences of this nature, more questions were raised than answers given.

Yale University

Certiorari was granted because important questions were raised concerning administration of the immigration laws.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "questions were raised" to introduce points of discussion or uncertainty, especially in formal writing. This passive construction effectively shifts the focus from the questioner to the questions themselves, maintaining a neutral tone.

Common error

While "questions were raised" is grammatically correct, relying too heavily on passive constructions can make your writing sound weak or evasive. Consider rephrasing to an active voice when appropriate for more direct and engaging communication. For example, instead of "questions were raised about the budget", you could write "stakeholders questioned the budget".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "questions were raised" functions as a passive construction, commonly used to introduce inquiries or doubts about a particular subject. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase frequently appears in news and academic contexts to indicate that uncertainties or points for discussion have emerged.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

16%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "questions were raised" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression for introducing inquiries, doubts, or points of discussion. According to Ludwig AI, it is particularly common in news, academic, and science contexts, serving to highlight uncertainties without assigning blame. While its passive construction contributes to a neutral and formal tone, overuse can weaken writing. Alternatives like "issues were brought up" or "concerns were expressed" can add nuance or activity. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended level of formality and clarity for your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

issues were brought up

Replaces "questions" with "issues" focusing on problems or concerns instead of queries.

inquiries were made

Substitutes "questions" with "inquiries", highlighting the act of seeking information.

concerns were expressed

Replaces "questions" with "concerns", emphasizing feelings of worry or unease.

doubts were voiced

Focuses on the expression of uncertainty or skepticism rather than general questions.

matters were brought to attention

Highlights the act of making something known or noticeable.

points were raised

Emphasizes specific arguments or ideas that were introduced.

problems were identified

Focuses on the recognition and naming of difficulties or challenges.

subjects were broached

Indicates the introduction of topics for discussion.

queries were posed

Uses a more formal synonym for "questions" to indicate the act of asking.

topics were introduced

Highlights the beginning of a discussion about certain subjects.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "questions were raised" to sound more active?

To make the sentence more active, you can specify who raised the questions. For example, instead of "questions were raised", try "stakeholders questioned", "the committee inquired", or "analysts asked".

What is the difference between "questions were raised" and "concerns were raised"?

"Questions were raised" implies that there were inquiries or doubts about something. "Concerns were raised", on the other hand, suggests that there were anxieties or worries expressed about a particular issue. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize inquiry or apprehension.

Is it better to use "questions were raised" or "issues were raised" in formal writing?

Both phrases are suitable for formal writing, but they carry slightly different connotations. "Questions were raised" implies a need for clarification or further investigation, while "issues were raised" suggests that problems or difficulties were brought to attention. The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "questions were raised"?

The phrase "questions were raised" is appropriate when you want to indicate that inquiries or doubts were expressed about a particular topic or situation. It is often used in reports, discussions, or analyses where it's important to acknowledge that uncertainties or points of contention have emerged.