they interrogated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they interrogated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an action where individuals are questioned thoroughly, often in a formal or investigative context. Example: "The police stated that they interrogated the suspect for several hours to gather more information about the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"They interrogated me once.

The New York Times

They interrogated thousands of my supporters.

The New York Times

Were they interrogated, and, if so, how?

The New Yorker

"Every morning, afternoon and night they interrogated us," Dell'Aira recalled.

The New York Times - Magazine

I watched as they interrogated him outside and was jealous.

The New York Times - Magazine

"They interrogated me for three hours that night.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

They interrogate everyone around".

The New York Times

Would they interrogate my children?

The Guardian - Opinion

"It won't lead to anything good, the way they interrogate people," he said.

The New York Times

"They interrogate you three times a day and they deprive you of good sleep.

The Guardian

The movie's later scenes are mostly flashbacks as they interrogate one another and pour out life histories.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they interrogated", ensure the context clearly indicates who "they" refers to, as this pronoun can be ambiguous. For clarity, specify the group or individuals conducting the interrogation.

Common error

Avoid using "they interrogated" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "they asked" or "they questioned" are often more appropriate and less heavy-handed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they interrogated" functions as a verb phrase, with "interrogated" being the main verb in the past tense. Ludwig AI examples show it describes a specific action where a group questions someone, often formally.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they interrogated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a formal questioning process. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to report events involving intense questioning. While generally neutral, it's best suited for formal contexts and may be replaced with simpler alternatives like "they questioned" in casual settings. To avoid ambiguity, ensure the subject "they" is clearly defined. This analysis offers a guide to leveraging this phrase effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they questioned

This is a more general and less intense alternative, implying a simple act of asking questions.

they interviewed

Suggests a more structured and formal questioning, often for gathering information.

they examined

Implies a detailed and thorough investigation through questioning.

they probed

Suggests a deeper, more persistent questioning aimed at uncovering hidden information.

they investigated

Focuses on the broader process of inquiry, which includes questioning as a component.

they cross-examined

Implies a formal, often legal, questioning to challenge previous statements.

they scrutinized

Indicates a careful and critical examination through questioning.

they debriefed

Suggests a post-event questioning to gather information and insights.

they grilled

An informal term for intense and relentless questioning.

they pressed for answers

Emphasizes the persistence and determination in seeking information.

FAQs

What does "they interrogated" mean?

The phrase "they interrogated" means that a group of people questioned someone thoroughly, often in a formal or investigative context. It suggests a more intense and structured questioning than simply asking questions.

What can I say instead of "they interrogated"?

You can use alternatives like "they questioned", "they interviewed", or "they examined" depending on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "they interrogated" too formal for casual conversation?

Yes, "they interrogated" is generally too formal for casual conversation. In informal settings, it's better to use phrases like "they asked" or "they questioned", which are less intense and more appropriate.

When is it appropriate to use "they interrogated"?

It is appropriate to use "they interrogated" when describing a formal questioning process, such as in legal, investigative, or official contexts. It is also suitable when emphasizing the intensity and thoroughness of the questioning.