the questioning of

USAGE SUMMARY

'the questioning of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as part of a larger sentence to describe the act of questioning someone or something. For example: "The questioning of the witness began at 10 am."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the questioning of her story does.

The Guardian

But the questioning of established values has continued.

The New York Times

The questioning of the justices' political motives has already begun.

The New York Times

Mr. Chirac called the questioning of his family "scandalous".

The New York Times

And so was the questioning of Roy's managerial capabilities.

The Guardian - Sport

"The questioning of the president did not pull any punches.

The New York Times

Mehlis had asked for the questioning of six Syrian officials.

The Washington Post

His interrogation was coordinated with the questioning of several associates at Paddington Green police station, west London, and the questioning of a further suspect in Canada.

The Guardian

It means ending the name-calling, the yelling, and the questioning of others' motives.

The New York Times

If nothing else the questioning of the country's top taxperson was a study in exasperation today.

Independent

Description of the headquarters, workers, the questioning of aliens, fingerprinting, etc.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the questioning of", ensure that the context clearly indicates who or what is being questioned. Specificity enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the questioning of" in overly passive constructions that obscure the actor performing the questioning. Instead of saying "The questioning of the suspect was done by…", opt for "The police questioned the suspect…" for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the questioning of" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig indicates that it is grammatically correct and used to denote the act of questioning, often followed by the subject or object of the questioning. For example, "The questioning of the witness" or "The questioning of established values."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the questioning of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that denotes the act of questioning. According to Ludwig, it is versatile, fitting various contexts, from news reports to academic analyses. While generally neutral, its formality can increase depending on the setting. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the context explicitly indicates who or what is being questioned to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "the interrogation of" or "the investigation of" can offer nuanced shades of meaning, but remember that overusing passive constructions can diminish the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the interrogation of

Focuses specifically on formal and often intensive questioning, particularly in legal or investigative contexts.

the analysis of

Emphasizes a detailed examination and evaluation, shifting the focus from direct questioning to a broader analytical process.

the investigation of

Highlights a systematic and thorough inquiry into a matter, often involving gathering and examining evidence.

the interviewing of

Specifically refers to the act of conducting interviews to gather information or perspectives.

the scrutiny of

Implies a critical and careful examination, often with the intent to identify flaws or inconsistencies.

the examination of

Suggests a detailed inspection or investigation, often in a formal or academic setting.

the exploration of

Indicates a more open-ended and exploratory inquiry, often with the goal of discovering new information or insights.

the canvassing of

Involves a comprehensive survey or solicitation of opinions or support, often in a political or marketing context.

the probing of

Emphasizes a deep and thorough inquiry, often with the intent to uncover hidden information or sensitive details.

the inquest into

Refers to a formal inquiry into the cause of death, typically conducted by a coroner or medical examiner.

FAQs

How can I use "the questioning of" in a sentence?

You can use "the questioning of" to refer to the act of asking questions to someone or about something. For example, "The questioning of the witness revealed new evidence."

What are some alternatives to "the questioning of"?

Some alternatives include "the interrogation of", "the investigation of", or "the examination of", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more formal to use "the questioning of" or simply "questioning"?

"The questioning of" tends to be more formal than simply "questioning". In many contexts, "questioning" alone is sufficient and more concise, but "the questioning of" can add a layer of formality or emphasis, particularly in legal or official contexts.

What is the difference between "the questioning of" and "the question of"?

"The questioning of" refers to the act of asking questions, whereas "the question of" refers to the issue or matter being considered. For instance, "the questioning of the suspect" involves interrogating the suspect, while "the question of guilt" concerns whether the suspect is guilty.