were questioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were questioned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where individuals or groups are being asked questions, typically in a formal or investigative setting. Example: "The witnesses were questioned thoroughly by the detectives to gather more information about the incident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We were questioned extensively.

The New York Times

The economic benefits were questioned.

The Economist

All passengers were questioned.

The Guardian

Trapattoni's tactics were questioned.

The Guardian - Sport

They were questioned and cleared.

The New York Times

"I guess my parenting skills were questioned".

The New York Times

All five were questioned and released.

The Guardian

Just over 1,000 people were questioned.

The Guardian

The men and women in each family were questioned separately.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Seventy-two menders were questioned regarding musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

Applied Ergonomics

These children were questioned using a researcher-developed interview guide.

Journal of Pediatric Nursing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were questioned" in contexts where you want to emphasize that individuals underwent a formal or official questioning process, often as part of an investigation or inquiry.

Common error

Avoid using "were questioned" when an active voice construction is more appropriate and direct. For instance, instead of "The suspect were questioned by the police", consider "The police questioned the suspect" for a clearer and more concise sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were questioned" functions as a verb phrase in the passive voice. Ludwig shows that it is used to describe a state of being subjected to questioning, where the individuals receiving the questions are the subject of the sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

28%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were questioned" is a common phrase used to indicate that individuals underwent a questioning process, typically in a formal or investigative context. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, scientific, and academic sources. When writing, consider the context and purpose to ensure that the passive voice is the most appropriate choice, and that the phrase accurately conveys the intended meaning. Alternative phrases like "were interrogated" or "were interviewed" can provide nuances that better suit the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were interrogated

Emphasizes a more formal or intensive questioning process.

were asked about

A more direct and simple way of indicating questioning on a specific topic.

were interviewed

Suggests a structured conversation to gather information.

were investigated

Highlights the process of a systematic or formal inquiry.

were probed

Implies a thorough and sometimes intrusive questioning.

were examined

Implies a close and careful inspection or inquiry.

were subject to inquiry

Formal way of saying they underwent a process of questioning or investigation.

faced questioning

Shifts the focus to the act of facing or undergoing questioning.

were surveyed

Suggests questions as part of a wider data collection process.

were canvassed

Indicates a broader attempt to solicit opinions or information from many people.

FAQs

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

The phrase "were questioned" indicates that someone was asked questions, typically in a formal setting. For example, "The witnesses "were questioned" by the detectives."

What are some alternatives to "were questioned"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "were interrogated", "were interviewed", or "were asked about".

When is it appropriate to use the passive voice "were questioned" instead of the active voice?

Use the passive voice when the action is more important than the actor. For example, "The documents "were questioned" for their authenticity" focuses on the documents, not who questioned them.

Is "was questioned" different from "were questioned"?

"Was questioned" is used for a singular subject, while "were questioned" is used for plural subjects. For example, "He was questioned" versus "They "were questioned"".