sustained questioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sustained questioning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where ongoing or prolonged inquiry is being discussed, such as in interviews, research, or educational settings. Example: "The teacher employed sustained questioning to encourage deeper critical thinking among her students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The hearings (Ms. Brooks appeared separately) provided a gripping spectacle of executives who once commanded unassailable political power enduring sustained questioning from lawmakers enjoying a newfound confidence.

The New York Times

Under sustained questioning from Valerie Vaz, the Labour MP for Walsall South, about his time in charge of the SHA, Nicholson became visibly riled.

The Guardian

No sustained questioning would be possible.

The New Yorker

The shock only deepened as the agents whisked Mr. Bukhari away to their Miami field office for sustained questioning about the Pentagon and World Trade Center attacks.

The New York Times

Citing the prime minister's refusal to say whether the UK could remain in the EU single market after Brexit, during sustained questioning by the SNP's Westminster leader, Angus Robertson, Sturgeon said: "I don't think it's acceptable to have a prime minister who is unwilling or unable to answer the simple question: should we remain in the single market or not?

The Guardian

Finally, Sweden's neutrality during the Second World War (where Norway and Denmark became occupied) may have induced more sustained questioning of its own past (e.g., eugenics in the thirties) and impetus towards anti-racism than in the other two countries.

Comparative Migration Studies

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

But how long will Rovers be able to hold out? "There is a release clause in the contract he negotiated last year," admitted a sheepish Williams under typically sustained Sky Sports News questioning.

The Guardian - Sport

Instead of sustained, focused questioning about Steve Mnuchin's role running what activists called a "foreclosure machine" and personally reaping an estimated $380 million in the process, Democrats tried to pin Trump's treasury secretary pick down on a huge swath of tax, trade and regulatory policies.

Huffington Post

It was the longest sustained period of public questioning he has submitted himself to during the election campaign.

The Guardian

Each senator sits on three or four committees and even more subcommittees, most of which meet during the same morning hours, which helps explain why committee tables are often nearly empty, and why senators drifting into a hearing can barely sustain a coherent line of questioning.

The New Yorker

Furthermore, teachers follow up on their answers more frequently with prompting and responsive questioning techniques, thereby sustaining the pressure on highly knowledgeable students to process subject matter actively and deeply.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sustained questioning" when you want to emphasize the duration and intensity of an inquiry, especially in formal contexts like legal proceedings, investigations, or academic research.

Common error

Avoid using "sustained questioning" when describing a brief or casual exchange. The phrase implies a significant commitment of time and resources to the questioning process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sustained questioning" functions primarily as a noun phrase, describing a prolonged period of inquiry. Examples from Ludwig show it used in contexts of legal hearings, political scrutiny, and academic analysis. The examples confirm that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sustained questioning" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes a prolonged and intensive inquiry. Ludwig's analysis of various sources confirms its prevalence in news, science, and formal contexts. While alternatives like "prolonged interrogation" or "intensive inquiry" exist, "sustained questioning" effectively conveys the duration and rigor of the questioning process, making it suitable for formal writing and objective reporting. Understanding its nuances helps writers use it accurately and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prolonged interrogation

Focuses on the intensity and duration of the questioning.

persistent inquiry

Emphasizes the unrelenting nature of the questioning.

continuous examination

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the questioning process.

consistent interrogation

Highlights the regular and unchanging nature of the questioning.

intensive inquiry

Highlights the depth and rigor of the investigation.

repeated probing

Suggests persistent attempts to uncover information through questioning.

lengthy cross-examination

Specifically refers to the legal context of questioning a witness.

extensive investigation

Broadens the scope to include various methods of gathering information, not just questioning.

detailed exploration

Shifts the focus to a thorough examination of a topic, often involving questioning.

thorough scrutiny

Implies a careful and critical examination, including questioning.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "sustained questioning" in a sentence?

To effectively use "sustained questioning", ensure the context involves a prolonged and intensive inquiry. For example, "The witness underwent "prolonged interrogation" by the defense attorney."

What are some alternatives to "sustained questioning"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "continuous examination", "intensive inquiry", or "repeated probing" to convey the same idea.

Is there a difference between "sustained questioning" and "intense questioning"?

"Sustained questioning" emphasizes the duration of the inquiry, while "intense questioning" focuses on the vigor and depth of the questions. While often interchangeable, the choice depends on whether duration or intensity is more relevant.

When is it appropriate to use "sustained questioning" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "sustained questioning" in formal writing, such as news reports, academic papers, or legal documents, where the prolonged and thorough nature of an inquiry needs to be emphasized.