they are questioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are questioning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to individuals or a group who are seeking clarification or expressing doubt about something. Example: "During the meeting, they are questioning the validity of the new policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are questioning everything.

The Guardian

They are questioning, and sometimes corrective.

Independent

It's the method they are questioning.

The New York Times

They are questioning his five brothers and father.

The New York Times

"They expected to win, and now they are questioning why".

The New York Times

They are questioning the roles I allotted them.

The Guardian - Books

They are questioning the allocation process that we are using".

The New York Times

Now, they are questioning some of their own leaders.

The Washington Post

They are questioning their industry's tradition of placing kitchens and refrigerators in basements.

The New York Times - Food

Today they are questioning long-held beliefs about what should orbit what.

The Economist

They are questioning the unfairness, which was not easy for my generation to do".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they are questioning", ensure the context clearly indicates who "they" refers to. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the group or individuals doing the questioning.

Common error

Avoid using "they are questioning" when a stronger term like "they are refuting" or "they are rejecting" more accurately reflects the intensity of their disagreement. The phrase implies inquiry, not necessarily opposition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are questioning" functions as a verbal phrase, specifically the present continuous tense of the verb "question". It indicates an ongoing action of seeking clarification, expressing doubt, or investigating something. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples showing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they are questioning" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase indicating that a group is currently in the process of inquiring, doubting, or investigating something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears extensively in news and media sources. When using "they are questioning", ensure clarity regarding who "they" refers to and that the context aligns with the intended meaning of inquiry rather than outright rejection. Alternatives such as "they are asking" or "they are wondering" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase's versatility makes it a valuable tool for expressing doubt, curiosity, and scrutiny in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are asking

Emphasizes the act of seeking information through direct interrogation.

they are inquiring

A more formal synonym for asking, suggesting a structured line of questioning.

they are wondering

Focuses on a state of curiosity or uncertainty, implying a less direct form of inquiry.

they are examining

Focuses on a careful and detailed inspection or investigation.

they are challenging

Implies a confrontational questioning, often with the intent to disprove.

they are probing

Suggests a thorough and careful inquiry to uncover hidden information.

they are investigating

Highlights a more formal or systematic inquiry into a matter.

they are scrutinizing

Implies a very detailed and critical examination.

they are doubting

Focuses on a feeling of uncertainty or disbelief regarding something.

they are unsure

Highlights a lack of certainty or confidence about something.

FAQs

How can I use "they are questioning" in a sentence?

Use "they are questioning" to indicate that a group is expressing doubts or seeking clarification about something. For example, "After the announcement, "they are questioning" the new policy's effectiveness".

What can I say instead of "they are questioning"?

You can use alternatives like "they are asking", "they are wondering", or "they are inquiring" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "they are questioning about"?

No, the correct phrasing is "they are questioning" followed by the object of the questioning. Avoid adding "about" after "questioning". For example, "They are questioning the data" is correct, but "They are questioning about the data" is not.

What's the difference between "they are questioning" and "they are being questioned"?

"They are questioning" means they are the ones asking the questions or expressing doubt. "They are being questioned" means they are the ones being asked questions, often in an interrogation or investigation.