we questioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we questioned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of asking questions or seeking clarification from someone or about a particular topic. Example: "During the meeting, we questioned the validity of the data presented by the research team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We questioned it.

The New York Times

"We questioned everything.

The Guardian

It's about time we questioned it.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We questioned how they could sustain it.

The New York Times

"We questioned her rigorously, but it was one-word answers.

The New Yorker

Not that there weren't moments when we questioned our sanity.

The New York Times

"We questioned him over and over," Mr. Minasian said.

The New York Times

"Yes, we questioned the ref's calls, and we questioned the integrity of some of those calls," Corchiani said.

The New York Times - Sports

"He gave himself away when we questioned him, he changed his story.

Independent

"As a result, we questioned the integrity of those trader marks".

The New York Times

We questioned everything, literally.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we questioned" to clearly indicate that a group or entity raised doubts or sought clarification. Ensure the context provides enough information about what was questioned and why.

Common error

Avoid using "we questioned" in overly casual conversations or writing. Consider using more informal alternatives such as "we asked" or "we wondered" to maintain an appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we questioned" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating that a group or entity performed the action of questioning. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a usable expression in the English language. Examples from Ludwig show it used in diverse contexts, from news reports to scientific studies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we questioned" is a versatile verb phrase used to convey inquiry, doubt, or challenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and commonly used in both news media and scientific contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for formal and professional communication, while alternatives like "we inquired" or "we challenged" can be used to fine-tune the specific nuance. Remember to choose alternative phrasing in cases when a more informal context is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we inquired

Replaces "questioned" with a more formal synonym, "inquired", emphasizing a formal request for information.

we probed

Suggests a thorough and careful investigation.

we examined

Emphasizes a careful and detailed inspection.

we doubted

Shifts the focus from asking to expressing uncertainty or disbelief.

we investigated

Focuses on a systematic or formal inquiry.

we challenged

Implies a more confrontational or critical examination.

we explored

Suggests an open-ended inquiry to discover new information.

we scrutinized

Highlights a detailed and critical examination.

we interrogated

Implies a formal and intense questioning, often in an official context.

we debated

Introduces the idea of a formal discussion involving differing viewpoints.

FAQs

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

Use "we questioned" to indicate that your group expressed doubt or sought clarification about something. For example, "We questioned the accuracy of the report" or "We questioned the witness closely".

What are some alternatives to "we questioned"?

You can use alternatives such as "we inquired", "we doubted", or "we challenged depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "we questioned" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing when you need to convey that your group carefully examined or expressed doubts about something. This phrase is suitable for reports, academic papers, and professional documents.

What's the difference between "we questioned" and "we asked"?

"We asked" is a general term for seeking information. "We questioned", on the other hand, implies a more critical or doubtful inquiry. If you simply sought information, use "we asked". If you expressed doubt or challenged something, use "we questioned".