sternly asked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sternly asked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone is asking a question in a serious or strict manner, often to convey authority or urgency. Example: "The teacher sternly asked the students to remain quiet during the exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The other day, Marisa sternly asked if he'd written a single line about Denny.

The Guardian - Music

He sternly asked concertgoers to switch off "your little recording devices," adding that he knew full well that some in the audience would not do so.

The New York Times - Arts

He stopped the orchestra and turned, one witness said, and sternly asked the offender: "Are you finished?" The rage in the hall was general, according to bloggers who were there.

The New York Times

The title refers to an interchange with a judge when Bourne was once on trial: Bourne was sternly asked to remove his hat in court and refused, because it "goes with the shoes".

The Guardian - Film

When the psychiatrist sternly asked, "So, what happened here?" I tearfully confessed that I'd eaten a Toffee Crisp and the sombre expressions on my friend's faces collapsed into laughter.

The Guardian

Alan Gilbert, the director of New York's Philharmonic and the conductor of the performance, ultimately took matters into his own baton-wielding hands:He stopped the orchestra and turned, one witness said, and sternly asked the offender: "Are you finished?"Mercifully, the phone was hushed.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Just as Ben sternly asks the boy if it would hurt him to spend time with his father, a voice emerges from his answering machine: "Hello, Benjy".

The New York Times

Rondo Fehlberg, an executive at BP at the time, told me in a phone interview that Alekperov took control of the agenda during that 1990 trip, sternly asking the BP executives to explain how a modern oil company should be set up.

The New York Times - Magazine

The methodology for teaching here isn't anything like instruction from the mythic piano teacher of my dreams, a little lady with a bun who sternly asks you to repeat the scales as she hovers behind you and comments on your technique.

The New York Times - Tech

Occasionally when I am taking photos of closed storefronts, I will be approached by someone who will sternly ask me what I'm doing.

Vice

After reminding Bailey that it was Leah's toy, not hers, I told her sternly, "Go ask Leah" if she could have the toy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sternly asked", ensure the context aligns with a formal or serious setting, as the phrase carries a level of gravitas. Consider alternatives like "firmly questioned" in less formal situations.

Common error

Avoid using "sternly asked" in casual or humorous situations, as it can sound out of place and create an unintended serious tone. The phrase is most suitable when the situation warrants a serious and authoritative approach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sternly asked" functions as a verb phrase, where "sternly" is an adverb modifying the verb "asked". It describes the manner in which a question was posed. Ludwig confirms its proper usage through numerous examples from varied sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sternly asked" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that conveys a serious or authoritative tone when posing a question. Ludwig highlights its frequent appearance in news and media, suggesting a neutral to professional register. While versatile, it's important to avoid using it in lighthearted contexts where its serious connotation might be out of place. Consider using alternative phrasing like "firmly questioned" or "demanded to know" to suit the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

firmly questioned

Emphasizes the firmness and directness of the questioning.

demanded to know

Highlights the authoritative and forceful nature of the request for information.

inquired severely

Focuses on the serious and strict tone of the inquiry.

pressed for an answer

Highlights the insistence on receiving a response.

queried with authority

Stresses the power and official capacity behind the question.

interrogated rigorously

Suggests a thorough and intense questioning process.

posed the question sharply

Emphasizes the abrupt and pointed manner of asking.

challenged assertively

Highlights the confrontational aspect of the inquiry.

formally requested

Highlights the official and serious nature of the request.

authoritatively inquired

Highlights the authoritative and imposing aspect of the way the question was asked.

FAQs

How can I use "sternly asked" in a sentence?

"Sternly asked" is used to describe the manner in which a question is posed. For example, "The officer "sternly asked" the suspect for their identification." It implies a serious or authoritative tone.

What are some alternatives to "sternly asked"?

Alternatives include "firmly questioned", "demanded to know", or "inquired severely". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "sternly asked"?

Use "sternly asked" when you want to emphasize the seriousness or authority behind a question. It's appropriate in formal settings or when someone is being interrogated.

Is "sternly asked" formal or informal?

"Sternly asked" leans towards the formal side, conveying a sense of seriousness and authority. In more casual conversations, you might prefer alternatives like "asked pointedly" or "asked sharply".