start interrogating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start interrogating" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to begin questioning or examining a subject or person closely, often in a formal or investigative context. Example: "The detective decided to start interrogating the suspect to gather more information about the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Then he'll start interrogating you about your creative goals and ask if you've ever used crowd-funding.

The New Yorker

"They would turn up suddenly, at any time of day or night, and start interrogating us — they would hit you or kick you for no reason," the farmer says, recalling the paramilitary anti-narcotics police forces once backed by the US Drug Enforcement Administration.

Vice

Just as you might with symbols that come up in your meditation, start interrogating the symbols rise out of your dreams and assigning significance and meaning to them.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Rather than simply handing terror suspects over to countries where they faced criminal charges, the CIA started interrogating them itself.

The Economist

But they are not much use when a homicidal colleague starts interrogating Wesley in a locked bathroom.

The New York Times - Books

The fourth issue publishes this month, though when the last was published, in May, a friend of mine thumbed its pages suspiciously and started interrogating me.

The Guardian

At one point, Barlow said, Solarz turned to him and asked a direct question: "Have there been other cases?" "I said to myself, 'You don't know?' He started interrogating me like a prosecutor.

The New Yorker

Rust starts interrogating the biker for information, but he doesn't provide anything valuable, and then the episode ends.

Huffington Post

At one point I was sure I was losing my mind, until I started interrogating the locals.

Vice

The server has barely poured the water before the promoter starts interrogating me about one of the songs in tonight's set, 2009's "Tight Rope".

Huffington Post

He said his first experience with torture while in US custody took place after the FBI started interrogating him about his links to Al Qaeda.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "start interrogating", ensure the context clearly indicates who is initiating the questioning and who is being questioned. This adds clarity and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "start interrogating" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler phrases like "start asking" or "begin questioning" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start interrogating" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a questioning process. It's commonly used in contexts where a formal or thorough inquiry is initiated, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "start interrogating" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the beginning of a detailed questioning process. Ludwig AI indicates that it is most commonly found in news and media, wiki, and scientific contexts. While grammatically sound, it is crucial to consider the tone and formality of the situation when using this phrase. Alternatives like "begin questioning" or "initiate inquiry" may be more appropriate in certain contexts. Remember to maintain clarity and precision in your writing to ensure the intended message is effectively conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start questioning

A more direct synonym, simply focusing on the act of questioning.

begin questioning

Replaces "start" with "begin", focusing on the act of asking questions.

begin the questioning

Rephrases to focus on the questioning as a specific event.

commence interrogation

Replaces "start" with commence in a formal context.

commence questioning

Uses "commence" for a more formal start to questioning.

initiate inquiry

Emphasizes a formal start to an investigation rather than direct questioning.

undertake questioning

Suggests a more serious and methodical approach to the questioning.

launch investigation

Suggests a broader investigative process is beginning.

open inquiry

Implies an official process of seeking information has begun.

get down to questioning

Emphasizes the immediate commencement of questioning.

FAQs

What does "start interrogating" mean?

The phrase "start interrogating" means to begin questioning someone closely, often in a formal or investigative manner, to gather information or uncover the truth.

How to use "start interrogating" in a sentence?

You can use "start interrogating" in a sentence like this: "The detective decided to start interrogating the suspect to gather more information about the case."

What can I say instead of "start interrogating"?

You can use alternatives like "begin questioning", "commence questioning", or "initiate inquiry" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "start interrogating" or "begin interrogating"?

Both "start interrogating" and "begin interrogating" are correct and have similar meanings. The choice depends on the desired tone and style.