they questioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they questioned" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone asking for information or clarification from another person or group. Example: "During the meeting, they questioned the validity of the data presented by the research team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They questioned our ability.

The New York Times - Sports

They questioned her about plays.

The New York Times - Sports

They questioned our pass rush.

The New York Times - Sports

They questioned his mother, too.

The New York Times

"They questioned Mike Krzyzewski.

The New York Times - Sports

They questioned the science.

The Guardian - Sport

They questioned his sanity.

The New York Times

"They questioned me.

The Guardian - Sport

They questioned why nonprofit schools were untouched.

The New York Times

They questioned its legality.The retribution was swift.

The Economist

They questioned her contribution to the project.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they questioned" when you want to convey a sense of inquiry, doubt, or challenge regarding a statement, action, or idea. It's suitable for reporting on events, analyses, and discussions where questioning is involved.

Common error

Avoid using "they questioned" repeatedly in formal writing, especially when a more precise verb like "inquired", "investigated", or "challenged" would be more impactful and accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they questioned" primarily functions as a verb phrase in the past tense. It indicates that a group of people performed the act of questioning. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, with numerous examples illustrating its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

22%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they questioned" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase signifying inquiry, doubt, or challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. Predominantly found in news and media, scientific, and academic contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, writers should consider context-specific alternatives for enhanced precision. The phrase's authoritative usage in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and appropriateness in diverse communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they inquired

Focuses on the act of asking questions for information.

they challenged

Emphasizes a disagreement or calling something into question.

they investigated

Implies a more thorough and formal inquiry.

they scrutinized

Highlights a detailed and critical examination.

they probed

Suggests a deeper, more invasive line of questioning.

they interrogated

Implies a formal and often intense questioning process.

they expressed doubts about

Directly conveys a feeling of uncertainty or disbelief.

they cast doubt on

Suggests an attempt to undermine confidence in something.

they took issue with

Indicates disagreement or objection to a specific point.

they expressed skepticism about

Highlights a questioning attitude, implying doubt about the veracity of something.

FAQs

How can I use "they questioned" in a sentence?

You can use "they questioned" to indicate that a group of people inquired about something, expressed doubt, or challenged an idea. For example, "They questioned the results" or "they questioned his motives".

What are some alternatives to "they questioned"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "they inquired", "they challenged", "they investigated", or "they expressed doubt".

Is it appropriate to use "they questioned" in formal writing?

Yes, but be mindful of the context. While grammatically correct, it might be beneficial to consider more precise alternatives like "they analyzed" or "they evaluated" in certain formal situations.

What's the difference between "they questioned" and "they interrogated"?

"They questioned" implies a general inquiry or expression of doubt. "They interrogated" suggests a more formal, intense, and often lengthy questioning, typically in an official investigation.