when questioned about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when questioned about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a situation where someone is asked about a specific topic or issue. Example: "When questioned about the recent changes in policy, the spokesperson provided a detailed explanation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But when questioned about these, he says.

The Guardian - Film

When questioned about Gorillaz, he said: "That's next year.

Independent

The two chefs get defensive when questioned about the future.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But he turns angry when questioned about the current investigation.

The New York Times

His fractiousness when questioned about it told its own story.

The Guardian - Sport

When questioned about his views, he is unrepentant.

The Guardian

When questioned about the Bible, he says: "Read it!

The Guardian - Books

"I've got ears," Luongo told The Province, when questioned about the boo-birds.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

A spokesman for the Sheriff's Department, Michael O'Connor, was evasive when questioned about the raid.

HuffPost

But when questioned about attitudes outside the university, his response changes.

The Guardian

When questioned about this the young sales person asked why I would possibly need one.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your writing. While "when questioned about" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "in response to inquiries regarding" may be appropriate in academic or professional settings.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the audience knows the specific question being referenced. Always provide enough context so that readers understand the subject matter of the questioning. For example, instead of writing, "He became defensive when questioned about it," specify the topic: "He became defensive when questioned about the company's financial losses."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when questioned about" functions as an adverbial clause, modifying a verb or clause by indicating the time or condition under which an action occurred. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid phrase used to introduce circumstances surrounding a response.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when questioned about" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that introduces context by specifying the circumstances under which someone provides information or reacts to an inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct. While generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives may be appropriate for certain settings. Its frequency across news, media, and other platforms underscores its utility in conveying information across a variety of domains. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who is being questioned and the exact topic of the questioning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in answer to queries about

Provides a direct and concise alternative, emphasizing the act of responding to specific questions.

upon being asked about

Replaces "when questioned" with a more formal phrasing, emphasizing the act of being asked.

in response to questions about

Highlights that the statement is a direct reaction to an inquiry, clarifying the cause-and-effect relationship.

when inquiries were made regarding

Presents a more passive and formal tone, suitable for academic or official contexts.

when queried concerning

Uses a slightly more formal verb ("queried") to describe the act of questioning, suitable for official reports.

confronted with questions about

Suggests a more challenging or adversarial situation, where the questioning might be perceived as an interrogation.

after being probed on the subject of

Highlights the persistence of the questioning, suggesting that the person was pressed for more information.

when asked to comment on

Specifically focuses on eliciting an opinion or statement on a particular topic.

when solicited for their views on

Implies that the person's opinion was specifically sought, adding a layer of intentionality to the questioning.

following interrogation regarding

Implies a formal and potentially intense questioning process, often used in legal or investigative contexts.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "when questioned about" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "in response to inquiries regarding" or "upon being asked about". These alternatives add a layer of professionalism and are suitable for academic or official contexts.

What are some less formal alternatives to "when questioned about"?

In more casual settings, you can use phrases like "when asked about" or simply "if they asked". These options are more conversational and relatable.

Is there a difference between "when questioned about" and "when interrogated about"?

"When interrogated about" implies a more formal and potentially adversarial questioning process, often associated with legal or investigative scenarios. "When questioned about" is a more neutral and general term that doesn't necessarily suggest hostility or suspicion.

How does the choice of verb (questioned, asked, queried) affect the tone of "when [verb] about"?

The choice of verb can subtly influence the tone. "Asked" is the most neutral and common, "queried" suggests a slightly more formal and specific inquiry, and "questioned" falls in between, implying a structured and purposeful line of questioning.