steady questioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steady questioning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a consistent or persistent approach to asking questions, often in a context of inquiry or investigation. Example: "The detective's steady questioning of the witnesses revealed crucial details about the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Peter Parker, who chaired a judging panel which included Georgina Hammick, Colin Spencer and the late Francis King, praised the way "Frayn directs a steady, questioning gaze back into his wartime suburban childhood, recreating a vanished world with affection but without sentimentality".

The Guardian - Books

I witnessed many director generals wilt under his steady questioning.

The Guardian

Since mere moments after the idea was broached, lawmakers have also found themselves under steady questioning from the news media — local and national — demanding to know just whom they plan to sit with.

The New York Times

As the work evolved over the months, Ms. Halprin immersed herself in Eiko and Koma's style of slow, sustained action and they in turn were tugged into her steady questioning of motivations and the psychological and emotional texture of the dance.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Peter F. Vallone Jr. says he has to deal with a steady stream of critics questioning his qualifications.

The New York Times

Rather, what we listen for is the steady calm of his questioning voice: our trusted guide illustrates how black skin became property, and how the subsequent attempt to dehumanize a people began with separating the family, and taking away their names.

The New Yorker

Representative Fred Upton, the Michigan Republican who is in line to become the new chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has made limiting E.P.A. authority one of his main objectives and has promised a steady round of hearings questioning the basis of agency actions.

The New York Times - Science

Even two years ago, with the launch of the Responsible Economy concept, Ridgeway was publicly questioning Patagonia's steady expansion.

The New Yorker

With some allies questioning what a month of steady bombing has accomplished, the United States could point to a tangible gain on the ground.

The New York Times

Since that initial volley of questioning, the ISI has mounted a steady counter-campaign.

The New York Times

They have dragged in a steady stream of business executives and political operatives for questioning about everything from abused shareholders to campaign slush funds.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "steady questioning", ensure the context implies a consistent and persistent approach to asking questions, often to uncover information or understand a situation thoroughly. This phrase is suitable for describing investigative processes or rigorous analyses.

Common error

Avoid using "steady questioning" when the situation involves aggressive or accusatory questioning. Instead, opt for terms like "aggressive interrogation" or "hostile questioning" to accurately reflect the tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steady questioning" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "steady" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "questioning". It describes the manner or quality of the questioning process, emphasizing its consistency and persistence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "steady questioning" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, though Ludwig AI indicates its frequency is rare. It describes a consistent and persistent approach to asking questions, often in the context of investigations or analyses. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, it is most commonly found in news and media sources. When writing, ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning of sustained inquiry, and avoid using it in situations involving aggressive interrogation. Consider alternatives like "persistent inquiry" or "continuous interrogation" for different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continuous interrogation

Replaces 'questioning' with 'interrogation' and 'steady' with 'continuous', implying a more formal or intense form of questioning.

persistent inquiry

Substitutes 'steady questioning' with a more formal expression using 'inquiry', highlighting the act of seeking information continuously.

unwavering examination

Emphasizes the relentless and thorough nature of the examination, replacing questioning with a more comprehensive term.

relentless probing

Suggests a forceful and persistent investigation, focusing on uncovering hidden information.

incessant cross-examination

Highlights the continuous and rigorous nature of questioning, particularly in a legal or formal context.

constant interrogation

Uses 'constant' to convey the uninterrupted nature of the questioning, similar to 'steady'.

unceasing investigation

Implies a continuous and thorough investigation process involving persistent questioning.

consistent inquiry

Replaces 'steady' with 'consistent' to emphasize the regularity and uniformity of the questioning process.

sustained examination

Highlights the prolonged nature of the examination or questioning, indicating thoroughness.

determined investigation

Focuses on the resolute and purposeful nature of the investigation, implying a strong motivation behind the questioning.

FAQs

How can I use "steady questioning" in a sentence?

You might say, "The detective's "steady questioning" of the suspect eventually led to a confession", or "The scientist's "steady questioning" of the data revealed a significant anomaly".

What are some alternatives to "steady questioning"?

Alternatives include "persistent inquiry", "continuous interrogation", or "unwavering examination", depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Is "steady questioning" formal or informal?

"Steady questioning" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives like "persistent inquiry" might be preferred in academic or professional settings.

What is the difference between "steady questioning" and "interrogation"?

"Steady questioning" implies a consistent and persistent approach to asking questions, whereas "interrogation" suggests a more formal and potentially adversarial process, often used by law enforcement to extract information from a suspect.